LOWE'S LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER "INTO THE BLUE: LOWE'S PRODUCT PITCH EVENT," INVITING ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR A CHANCE TO BECOME LOWE'S SUPPLIERS

Rhea-AI Summary

Lowe's has announced its largest product sourcing event, 'Into the Blue,' aiming to invest $5 million in new suppliers. The event seeks businesses of all sizes to pitch products for inclusion in over 1,700 stores and online. Applications are open until August 14, 2022, with selected businesses pitching on November 2-3, 2022, at Lowe's Tech Hub in Charlotte, N.C. The initiative focuses on helping innovative entrepreneurs succeed and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities.

Positive

• Lowe's plans to invest $5 million in purchase orders to new suppliers.
• Opportunity for businesses to showcase products in 1,700+ stores and online.
• Increased support for innovative entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Negative

• None.

Businesses of all sizes nationwide and internationally are invited to enter Lowe's largest and most impactful product sourcing event, during which the retailer plans to invest a target of $5 million in purchase orders

MOORESVILLE, N.C., July 26, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Lowe's today announced "Into the Blue: Lowe's Product Pitch Event," the home improvement retailer's largest and most impactful product sourcing forum to date. Entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes can apply for a chance to participate in this first-ever live event, during which Lowe's plans to invest a target of $5 million in purchase orders* to new suppliers with opportunities for products to be carried within the company's more than 1,700 retail stores and online at Lowes.com.

Today through Aug. 14, interested businesses with ready-for-market products can apply at Lowes.com/Suppliers. Select businesses chosen for Into the Blue will have the opportunity to pitch directly to Lowe's representatives and leadership executives on Nov. 2-3, 2022 at the new Lowe's Tech Hub in Charlotte, N.C. Opening this fall, the state-of-the-art facility serves as the leading center of excellence in Lowe's retail technology and primary office for up to approximately 2,000 Lowe's technology professionals.

"Into the Blue: Lowe's Product Pitch Event gives entrepreneurs the chance to take their business to the next level," said Bill Boltz, executive vice president, merchandising. "We are inviting businesses of any size to apply for Into the Blue because the more innovative products we uncover, the more solutions we can provide to our customers to make their homes and lives better." 

In addition to product pitches, Into the Blue will include extensive networking, a supplier fair and mainstage and breakout sessions. The sessions will offer a variety of business tips and topics to help educate participating business owners as they work to scale their operations.

"Lowe's began as a small business more than 100 years ago, so we understand what it means to help a business succeed and the benefits it brings to their communities," said Sarah Dodd, senior vice president, global merchandising. "We look forward to helping these businesses, especially often over-looked entrepreneurs, on their journey to be featured at a big box retailer."

Prospective suppliers selected to attend will be notified by early September. Visit Lowes.com/Suppliers for complete entry terms and to apply to participate in the program.

*contingent on meeting Lowe's supplier requirements, including completion of due diligence and agreement

About Lowe's 

Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE^® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 19 million customer transactions a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2021 sales of over $96 billion, Lowe's and its related businesses operate or service nearly 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ over 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Contact: Olin Ericksen
Lowe's Companies Inc.
Olin.Ericksen@lowes.com

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SOURCE Lowe's Companies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the 'Into the Blue' event by Lowe's?

The 'Into the Blue' event is Lowe's largest product sourcing forum aimed at investing $5 million in new suppliers.

When can businesses apply for the 'Into the Blue' event?

Businesses can apply until August 14, 2022.

When will the product pitches take place?

Selected businesses will pitch their products on November 2-3, 2022.

Where is the 'Into the Blue' event being held?

The event will take place at Lowe's Tech Hub in Charlotte, N.C..

How does Lowe's support innovative entrepreneurs through this event?

Lowe's provides opportunities for businesses to showcase their products, along with networking and educational sessions to help scale operations.