Two thumbs up for Zebra Technologies tech powered Lowe's automated paint buying solution

Lowe’s has developed an automated paint selecting and buying system with Zebra Technologies.

And in doing so it has received a rave review from Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “I had the pleasure of visiting a Lowe's store in Celina, TX, where they've unveiled their automated paint selecting and buying system. Currently, trying to buy paint in big box stores like Lowe's, The Home Depot, Menards, and independent paint stores, is a lengthy and frustrating process. Lowe's decided to improve the process and customer experience.”

He added: “The goal was clear: a modern, efficient, and intuitive process that meets the unique needs of both customers and associates. That required more than an off-the-shelf solution, it demanded a collaborator capable of fine-tuning every detail to match Lowe’s environment.”

“We knew we were going to need something bright, something that looked cool - a kiosk people would want to walk up to, engage with, and feel comfortable using,” commented Will Saake from Lowe's.

Zebra Technologies built and refined prototypes that the retailer could test in-store and collect real-world feedback to refine the design before expanding to more of its stores. Now, when a customer approaches the paint desk, they’re greeted by an interactive touchscreen that walks them through a short series of questions to select the right paint.

Once the order is ready, the system automatically sends a text message to the customer. Instead of waiting at the desk to take new requests, associates receive updates directly on their handheld devices. “The result is a smoother, more relaxed experience for everyone: customers can use the waiting time to browse other aisles or pick up supplies for their next project, while associates work efficiently and stay connected to the paint desk in real-time,” Ladd observed.

"It really simplifies the experience for both our customers and our associates,” added Saake. “We focus on the customer by focusing on the associate, giving them the tools they need to minimise time spent on repetitive tasks so they can spend more time with the customer. Zebra’s technology helps us do exactly that. What emerged was more than an equipment upgrade. The transformation changed how we sell and make paint.”

Ladd said: “I give the automated system an A+. I must also compliment Lowe's for how well the store looked. It was immaculate and the associates who ran the paint station were kind enough to walk me through everything so I could get the facts I needed to write this post. I encourage it to keep the innovation going. I believe it has exceptional potential to significantly reduce the amount of working capital it has tied up in inventory by implementing several innovations I evaluated at a Canadian Tire Corporation store.”

Ladd also believes that Lowe’s can significantly increase sales via a partnership with Autolane and the use of automated MFCs for after hours fulfillment.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.