Lowe's focuses on helping customers and associates as retailer takes wraps off its new Store Ops Tech lab

Lowe’s Companies reports that it has opened a new Store Ops Tech Lab.

In a LinkedIn post, Eric Newell, Store Operations Business Development and Innovation at Lowe’s Companies, said: “Andrea McDaniel (Store Operations Technology Consultant) has worked so hard the last few months to make this happen.”

“Because of this we will be able to help customers and associates in stores faster and with less defects. Huge thanks also to Mark Loebach (VP, Omnichannel Operations), Corey Carpenter (VP of Store Operations) and Vinny Scalese (Senior VP Operations) for the support getting us here!”

Messi!!!

This month, members enrolled in the Lowe’s MyLowe’s Rewards programme were able to pick up a free soccer ball at Lowe’s along with a QR code that activated an instructional skills clinic with Lionel Messi. This was a part of the retailer’s free member gift offering.

Jennifer Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer at Lowe’s, said: “We sold out in hours and have held weekend clinics in our store parking lots - also sold out - to further bolster the activation.”

“As we seek to build lasting connections with younger generations, it’s been exciting to see how our brand influencers like Messi…and recently our partnership with Mr Beast…have really resonated (and even transcended generations) in ways we could only hope they would.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.