Lowe’s Wants a Bite of the Pet Business

Home center powerhouse Lowe’s has a pilot store-in-store program featuring products for pets in conjunction with Petco. The first Loew’s + Petco was slated to open in Alamo Ranch, Tex. Plans call for an addition 14 Lowe’s locations in Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina by the end of March 2022. 

Lowe’s research reveals that over the past two years, Americans have found more comfort, security and emotional connection through their homes and pets than ever before. Sixty-seven percent of respondents to a survey conducted by the retailer said they found their greatest comfort in their pets. Moreover, internal research found that nearly 60% of pet owners surveyed indicated they would be likely to shop a home improvement store for pet needs. 

The store will feature a curated assortment of Petco’s pet nutrition and health and wellness supplies and services, including Petco's owned brands: WholeHearted, EveryYay, Youly, Leaps & Bounds and So Phresh, as well as a variety of popular national brands.

“For many of our customers, their pets and their homes top the list of things that matter most, especially after two years spent mostly together within the same four walls,” said Bill Boltz, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising.

The move could also help distinguish Lowe’s from competitors like Home Depot which are not in the pet food business. Petco also has a “pets welcome” atmosphere and selection of pet-friendly products such as dog beds, dog doors and cleaning supplies.