Lowe’s has its sights set on vacation buyers because it struggles to considerably enhance gross sales amid financial uncertainty.
In the course of the third quarter of this yr, the house enchancment retailer’s comparable gross sales solely elevated by 0.4% yr over yr, in response to its newest earnings report. As well as, current knowledge from Placer.ai discovered that foot visitors in Lowe’s shops decreased by 0.1% through the quarter in comparison with the identical time interval final yr.
Throughout an earnings name final month, Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison mentioned that affordability considerations amongst shoppers and excessive rates of interest within the housing market are impacting gross sales.
“Affordability and uncertainty in the broader economy continue to weigh on consumer confidence, particularly when it comes to larger discretionary purchases, as borrowing costs have been elevated for longer than originally anticipated,” mentioned Ellison.
Since 2022, the common 30-year mortgage price within the U.S. has remained above 6%, prompting many shoppers to keep away from buying new properties whereas affordability stays a priority. Regardless of challenges, the U.S. housing market is slowly recovering, as rates of interest have declined in current months.
Lowe’s is experiencing sluggish gross sales progress in its shops throughout a time of financial uncertainty.
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How the U.S. housing market carried out in October 2025:
- The typical 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in October was 6.25%, down from 6.35% in September.
- Current-home gross sales rose by 1.2% month over month.
- Particularly, month-over-month U.S. residence gross sales elevated within the Midwest and South, however remained flat within the Northeast and declined within the West.
Sources: Nationwide Affiliation of Realtors, Freddie Mac
“First-time homebuyers are facing headwinds in the Northeast due to a lack of supply and in the West because of high home prices,” mentioned NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a press launch. “First-time buyers fared better in the Midwest because of the plentiful supply of affordable houses and in the South because there is sufficient inventory.”
Lowe’s confirms one other free provide for vacation buyers
As Lowe’s battles shifts in buyer habits in gentle of financial challenges, it’s ramping up its offers to draw clients through the vacation season.
Final week, throughout Black Friday, it gave away free Lowe’s buckets stuffed with merchandise value as much as $100 to the primary 50 MyLowe’s Rewards members who entered their shops at 6 a.m., together with an opportunity to win a significant residence equipment value as much as $2,000.
Now, Lowe’s is planning to launch one other free provide to clients. On Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., the retailer will give away free vacation mugs to MyLowe’s Rewards members, in response to a current put up on Lowe’s Instagram web page.
The vacation mug is formed like a mini bucket and incorporates a blue design with a white snowflake sample. The primary 200 MyLowe’s Rewards members who enter shops on Dec. 13 will obtain this unique mug whereas provides final.
Associated: Lowe’s CEO sounds alarm on why buyers are pulling again
The transfer from Lowe’s follows within the footsteps of Starbucks, which induced a frenzy final month with the discharge of its “Bearista” glass cup in shops, which bought out virtually instantly after launching.
Provides have been extraordinarily restricted, with just a few cups accessible for buy, which angered clients who waited in lengthy strains at Starbucks shops nationwide.
Lowe’s bets on loyalty to spice up gross sales throughout essential time of the yr
Lowe’s free affords to clients, particularly MyLowe’s Rewards members, come after Ellison mentioned through the firm’s earnings name final month that the MyLowe’s Rewards program, which is free, is enjoying an important position in boosting buyer spending in shops.
“Our 30 million MyLowe’s Rewards members shop twice as often and spend over 50% more than nonmembers,” mentioned Ellison. “Through both our DIY and pro loyalty programs, we’re gaining deeper customer insights, which help us tailor more personalized, value-enhancing offers through data-driven marketing.”
Extra Retail:
- Marshalls makes daring change to return coverage forward of holidays
- Walmart quietly shrinks beneficiant provide for vacation buyers
- BJ’s Wholesale publicizes free provide for purchasers amid struggles
The affords additionally come throughout a time when Lowe’s and lots of retailers predict a bustling vacation season this yr, regardless of shoppers being extra cautious about their spending.
Customers are nonetheless prioritizing vacation procuring this yr, however with a deal with acquiring offers.
How U.S. shoppers plan to buy through the 2025 vacation season:
- Customers plan to spend $890.49 per individual on common this yr on vacation presents, meals, decorations and different seasonal objects, as 85% count on to pay larger costs because of tariffs.
- Moreover, 42% of shoppers began their vacation procuring earlier than November, with budgeting being the major cause for the early begin.
- Roughly 60% of shoppers plan to complete their vacation procuring in December.
Supply: Nationwide Retail Federation
“Despite consumers’ economic concerns, the winter holidays remain an important occasion to celebrate with loved ones,” mentioned Prosper Govt Vice President of Technique Phil Rist in a press launch. “This is particularly true for those families with children who are expected to increase their gift budgets by more than $30 on average.”
Associated: Residence Depot faces rising shopper boycott calls forward of holidays
