Lowe's 2003 Annual Report Download - page 13

“Our customers will tell you, in home improvement, well-known,
national brands mean lasting quality and getting it right the first time.
To our customers, it’s the difference between one coat of paint and
three coats. It’s the difference between a nice lawn and lawn envy.”
DEBBIE TEMPLE
|
Merchandising Director
Investing in what customers want. For retail and commercial customers
alike, availability of brand-name products at everyday low prices is a big part of the shopping
decision. At Lowe’s, we know our success and the success of the products we offer go hand
in hand. Strategic alliances allow us to enhance our offerings with new, exclusive products.
For example, our relationship with Pella®
, a millwork manufacturer known for high standards
and quality products, began with a program focused on wooden doors and windows. The
relationship expanded, capitalizing on the increasingly growing vinyl window market by
creating Thermastar,
®a complete line of vinyl windows of unsurpassed quality. Today, we’re moving rapidly to convert every Lowe’s
store into a Pella Design Center store, highlighting the extended line of Pella-branded products that are suited for each particular
market we serve. A significant partnership for Lowe’s and Pella …developed from a window of opportunity.
As Lowe’s continues to build its brand through alliances with preeminent national brands, we are able to increase convenience for
our customers by offering complete home improvement solutions under one roof. Customers can find complete outdoor solutions
including Bayer Advanced™plush green lawn care products, Cub Cadet®and Husqvarna®outdoor power equipment, a full line of
award-winning Jackson & Perkins®roses, stylish and durable Coleman®outdoor furniture, powerful Jenn-Air®grills and unmatched
National Geographic™birding products. Our Signature Colors®premium paints feature thousands of colors, allowing customers
to autograph their homes with designer palettes from names like Nickelodeon™and Eddie Bauer®to Waverly.®And we’ve got every
other aspect of home covered, including offering the award-winning designs of Kichler®lighting, the innovation of KitchenAid®and
Whirlpool®appliances, the flexibility of Shop-Vac®wet/dry vacuums and the durability of Bosch and Hitachi power tools and accessories.
We have a deep sense of appreciation, respect and responsibility for the brands entrusted to us, and we are focused on the
needs of our customers. Our up-the-continuum strategy, coupled with our everyday low price guarantee, ensures we have the right
brands, inspirational products and a wide range of solutions that meet every budget and taste.
Lowe’s realizes the tools our customers need go beyond the tools on our shelves. Our customers can find the educational
tools at Lowe’s that build confidence to initiate projects. Free weekly “How-To” clinics at every store offer our customers the
opportunity to broaden their knowledge and develop their home improvement skills. Through affinity clubs such as Lowe’s
Garden Club®and Lowe’s Woodworkers Club,
®customers receive exclusive offers, fun projects, and tips throughout the year in their
particular areas of interest
— all at no cost to them. And home improvement education continues online at Lowes.com with an
online How-To Library containing a wealth of information available to our customers, from Creative Ideas magazine, to step-by-
step installation and remodeling procedures. Whether their needs are simple or complex, Lowe’s is committed to make the
investment in what our customers want.
2003 ANNUAL REPORT 11