New formats

This year Lowe’s intends to open its first two-storey DIY store, a format that the company considers especially suitable for densely populated areas. Stores with parking areas or garden centres on their roof are also a possibility. Since 2007 Lowe’s has been trying out a smaller store format in the south-east of the United States. Since the company is aiming for between 2 400 and 2 500 stores in the long term, smaller catchment areas will also have to be covered. At the end of 2007 the group numbered 1 534 stores, and expects to open an additional 120 outlets this year.