Lowe’s is expanding its smart home program
Lowe’s is expanding its “Smart Home powered by b8ta” to 70 stores nationwide.
In partnership with software-powered retailer b8ta, the store-within-a-store program provides smart home devices and solutions along with onsite support from specially trained experts known as “b8ta testers,” Lowe’s said. The program was tested in three locations last fall.
Located near the front of participating Lowe’s stores, the display includes a wide array of items ranging from security systems to thermostats, cameras to lighting, speakers and more from brands including Google, Sonos, GE, Nest, Iris, Samsung, and Ring.
U.S. markets included in the smart program include New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington, D.C. Miami, Tampa, Raleigh, and Charlotte.
"Consumers aspire to live a connected life and crave solutions that make this possible," said Ruth Crowley, vice president of customer experience design at Lowe's. "Smart home products simplify life – but the technology can sometimes be confusing or intimidating. So, we developed Smart Home powered by b8ta to emulate a 'lab-like' atmosphere that empowers customers to make informed decisions."
Products will be displayed out of the box while iPads with product-related content and pricing details will be stationed alongside each device. Smart phones are also available for customers to interact with products and supporting apps, the same as they would use them at home, according to Lowe’s.
"b8ta makes shopping for connected home products accessible and easy. Nationwide, consumers will have the opportunity to engage and demo a curated selection of connected products, with knowledgeable product experts on-hand to navigate consumers through their journey," said Phillip Raub, co-founder and chief brand officer of b8ta.
Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s has also rolled out specialized smart home displays featuring products primed for Black Friday and the holiday season at 1,000 of its stores, the retailer said.