Lowe's inks expanded deal with paint giant

5/20/2018
Lowe’s expanded its partnership with Sherwin-Williams in a move designed to simplify its paint-aisle offerings and generate some differentiation between itself and home center rival Home Depot.

Under the deal, Lowe’s will become the only nationwide home center to offer the stain brands Minwax, Cabot and Thompson’s Water Seal; as well as paintbrush brand Purdy and spray paint Krylon. In other words, these brands will not be available at Home Depot, the nation’s other “nationwide home center.” No change was announced to the distribution of these products through other channels, such as convenience hardware or building supply dealers.

The move dramatically affects PPG and its Olympic line of paints and stains. Sales of these products at Lowe's will be discontinued in mid 2018. In a statement, PPG expressed disapointment in the Lowe's decision, but pointed to opportunities to expand distribution through other channels.

Lowe's will introduce Krylon spray paint in its fiscal first quarter and add new paint, stain and applicator programs over the course of the year.

Additionally, The Sherwin-Williams Company will become the only nationwide supplier to Lowe's U.S. retail outlets for interior and exterior paints, including Valspar and HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams brands.

"Sherwin-Williams is one of the most recognized brands for paint and highly respected for quality products by both do-it-yourselfers and professional customers. Sherwin-Williams' family of brands is among some of America's most trusted," said Michael P. McDermott, Lowe's chief customer officer. "We are proud to expand the partnership and bring customers more of the industry's top brands for their next paint project."

The expanded partnership builds on the strong, long-standing relationship between Lowe's and the Valspar Corporation since 1971, which launched the Valspar paint brand at Lowe's in 2007. Lowe's and Sherwin-Williams launched HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams at Lowe's in 2015.

Aaron Erter, president and general manager of Sherwin-Williams' consumer brands division, said the move to simplify the paint and stain line should make it easier for customers to buy and for employees to sell.

"As paint continues to reign as the #1 do-it-yourself project, we know this expanded alliance will provide an improved experience that helps make customers more confident when selecting a color, product and applicator for their next paint or stain project,” Erter said.

Lowe's is also investing in its paint service model by rolling out a new paint desk experience beginning this quarter, with plans to complete the rollout nationwide in the second half of 2018. Combined with the simplified line design across multiple categories, the experience will also include an updated product selector display and a simplified and streamlined service model. The idea according to the company is to make it easier for customers to work with an associate to find a color, pick a paint or stain and begin a project.
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