Celebrating its 100th birthday, Lowe’s has weathered the storm and the pandemic by announcing 100 Hometowns, an initiative to complete 100 impact projects this year with a $10 million commitment to local communities.
Who’s ready for some uplifting news today? Celebrating its 100th birthday, home improvement company Lowe’s has announced 100 Hometowns, an initiative to complete 100 impact projects this year with a $10 million commitment to local communities. People can apply online to nominate their hometown projects aimed at restoring communities that have fallen on hard times such as rebuilding from natural disasters, housing repairs and more. In June, Lowe’s will award 100 grants to assist recipients who have applied with building, repairing, beautifying and improving 100 communities across the country. The back story: Initially in 1921, Lowe’s started as a hardware store in North Wilkesboro Hardware, North Carolina. L.S. Lowe’s store also sold sewing notions, produce, groceries and other items. After he passed away, his son, Jim Lowe, took over the hardware store in 1940. Lowe served in WWWII and offered part ownership in the company to his brother-in-law. By 1946, the home improvement focus was inspired by a surge in construction. The brother-in-law and now co-owner refocused the company which led to expansion in 1949 with a second store in Sparta, NC. Fast forward: It now has over 300,000 associates. According to Marisa F. Thalberg, executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer at Lowe’s, “This is a pretty epic milestone and we wanted to do something for it to reflect who we are and to set the course for the next 100 years.” During our exclusive interview, she spoke about 100 Hometowns to “create greater impact” which can mean beautifying public gardens, repairing areas impacted by natural disasters and that Lowe’s has a heroes project—all stores have budgets to help out the local community on their projects thereby extending the concept of home from your own four walls to your community at-large. She also pointed out that Lowe’s is an essential retailer especially during the pandemic.
