Is Lowes Owned By Walmart (The Answer Will Surprise You!)

Big names like Walmart and Lowe’s capture the attention of people like me, who always seek money-saving deals. Typically, you will notice these stores collaborating to offer fantastic discounts. Have you ever wondered if these two giants share a more profound connection? Well, you’re not alone! The question on many minds is, “Is Lowes owned by Walmart?” Let’s unravel the history and explore the ownership of Lowe’s and its relation with Walmart.

Does Walmart Own Lowes?

Even though Walmart does own a remarkable number of brands in the US and beyond, it does not own Lowe’s.

To fully own a company, an investor must own more than 50% of its shares. This is not true for Walmart. As a publicly traded organization, Lowe’s does not have a significant shareholder.

Moreover, Walmart does not have any shares in the company. As a result, Walmart has no ownership of Lowe’s as of 2023.

Both of these companies have distinct entities with separate ownership and management structures. Walmart and Lowe’s are independent retail giants operating in different niches within the retail industry.

Walmart is primarily known for its supercenters, offering a wide range of products from groceries to electronics at low-cost, while Lowe’s specializes in home improvement and construction materials.

However, Walmart and Lowes have a good business relationship. They regularly collaborate to offer exclusive discounts and promotions to their customers. This not only increases their clientele but also adds to their overall profit.

Is Lowes Partially or Fully Owned By Lowes?

Lowe’s is not owned by itself. It is a publicly-traded company with ownership distributed among various shareholders. 

This hardware retailer was founded in 1921 and now operates around 2,200 stores across the United States and Canada. It offers a wide range of home improvement products. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and its subsidiaries have approximately 300,000 employees.

As a publicly traded company, Lowe’s shares are available for purchase by individual and institutional investors on the stock market. The company is a component of the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average.

The ownership of Lowe’s is not centralized within the company itself; instead, it is held by a diverse range of shareholders. Its market capitalization, as of May 2022, is $128.78 billion.

Did Walmart Ever Own Lowes?

There has been no instance in history where Walmart owned Lowe’s. The company is not owned by, has any shares or was ever owned by Walmart. 

With separate offerings, both companies have a distinct standing in the retail industry. Being market titans, these retailers have maintained their autonomy and independence.

Given the location and similar business models, numerous customers might mistakenly assume that Walmart has ownership of Lowe’s. In addition, most of Lowe’s and Walmart’s stores are in the same building.

For this reason, many people believe that Walmart owns the company.

Since both retailers require similar parking and building space, most commercial real estate developers pitch the idea to Walmart and Lowe.

These developers have sold the idea that having stores nearby is economically friendly. Developers further force this idea by building the space in a way that can accommodate Walmart and Lowe.

Are Walmart and Lowes Related?

Walmart and Lowe’s are not directly related or have any affiliations regarding ownership or corporate structure. They are separate entities that compete in different segments of the retail market. 

However, both of these are large retailers. Typically, Walmart focuses on providing an extensive range of consumer goods. On the contrary, Lowe’s caters to the needs of home improvement and construction enthusiasts.

Lowe and Walmart’s only relationship was when they joined the Pacific Group on Health and Negotiating Alliance (PBGH-NA). Along with numerous other employers, the announcement of joining this alliance became widespread in 2013.

Consequently, the National Employer Centers of Excellence Network was launched owing to this alliance.

PBGH-NA was an agreement that intended to establish a healthcare solution. It would help companies to offer cost-effective and efficient services. However, some people might confuse it with an ownership stake.

Does The Same Company own Lowes and Walmart?

No, Lowe’s and Walmart are not owned by the same company.

Both retailers are publicly listed companies where investors buy shares from the stock market. However, the stocks of these companies are not exchangeable. For a company to undertake Walmart and Lowe, it must be a holding company with over 50% stake. 

Since these two companies are the most prominent retailers with stores across the US, no hold comp needs to be. Ay, can still acquire significant retail stores as of 2023, both as independent companies with diverse shareholders that have ownership.

Similarities and Differences between Lowes and Walmart

While they operate in distinct sectors, Walmart and Lowe’s share similarities and differences. Both companies have a significant presence in the United States. However, their product offerings, store layouts, and target demographics differ substantially.

Similarities

Operation: Lowe’s and Walmart have established a chain of retail stores in the US and Canada. This physical presence allows them to reach a broad customer base and offer products in various locations.

Publicly traded companies: Both organizations have issued company shares to stock exchanges. People and institutions can buy and own shares of these companies, representing ownership. Moreover, investors will also earn dividends.

Global Presence: Lowe’s and Walmart are considered retail giants due to their massive scale and significant market influence.

Employee central workforce: They have hired over 300 000 employees who are essential for smooth operations and excellent customer service.

Online solid presence: Post-COVID, Walmart and Lowe’s have established a robust online presence to facilitate customers. It also offers curb-side pickups and home delivery.

Sell home improvement products: Even though Lowe’s specializes in the home improvement sector, Walmart also offers a range of home improvement products.

Differences

Launched in: Lowe’s was founded in 1921, whereas Walmart was established in 1962.

Product Offerings: One of the most significant differences lies in their offerings. Walmart is a one-stop shop that offers everything from food to clothing, electronics, and household goods. In contrast, Lowe’s specializes in tools, building materials, and home improvement products.

Scale: With over 10 593 retail stores, Walmart has a bigger scale. On the other hand, Lowe’s only has 2200 stores. In addition, Walmart has stores in 24 countries, whereas Lowe’s is only available in Canada and the US.

Stake in the company: Lowe’s does not have one major shareholder who can claim ownership. However,

Store Focus: Lowe’s stores often offer a more specialized and knowledgeable shopping experience. Employees are trained to assist customers with home improvement questions and recommendations. Walmart’s stores emphasize affordability and variety.

Ownership: Walton family members own about 50% of Walmart shares, whereas Lowe’s does not have a controlling shareholder.

Who Owns Walmart?

Despite being a publicly traded company with ownership distributed among many shareholders, The Walton family has a substantial stake in the company. 

Walmart’s origins can be traced back to the founder, Sam Walton. It is not surprising that the principal owners are still his descendants.

The founding family owns over 50% of the Walmart Corporation through their holding company (Walton Enterprises) and family members’ holdings. The other half of this retail giant is owned by holding groups, individual shareholders and investment companies.

The Vanguard Group is one of the largest investment companies in the world and also happens to be the second largest Walmart shareholder.

The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WMT”, which is why ownership is not concentrated in a single entity. Numerous Walmart executives, independent directors, and Walton Family members make up the board. As of 2014, the current CEO of Walmart Inc. is Doug McMillon, whereas John Furner oversees Walmart US.

What Companies Are Owned By Walmart?

Sam’s Club: It is a membership-based warehouse club that offers bulk products and services at discounted prices.

Vudu: This is a digital movie rental/streaming service.

Jet.com: Jet.com is an e-commerce platform with over 200 million products. It focuses on offering competitive prices.

Art.com: Art.com is an online platform that offers a wide selection of art prints, posters, and custom framing services.

Flipkart is an Indian e-commerce company that Walmart acquired in 2018 for $16 billion. The company used this platform to penetrate and strengthen its presence in the Indian market.

Asda: Acquired by Walmart in 1999, this is a British supermarket retailer and a subsidiary of Walmart with over 600 stores in the UK. It operates a supermarket chain and offers various products, including groceries and clothing.

Kobo: The Canadian e-book and e-reader company is owned by Walmart. You can find many items from digital magazines, books, and newsletters. Customers can enjoy reading as Walmart offers different designs and colours.

Bonobos: Acquired by Walmart in 2017, Bonobos is a men’s clothing online store. It offers a range of apparel, including jeans, dress shirts and suits. You will be able to find Walmart dress code relevant items here as well!

Bare Necessities: For lingerie, swimwear, and intimate apparel.

BestPrice Modern Wholesale: It offers small businesses and retailers bulk products in India.

ELOQUII: ELOQUII is a fashion brand that focuses on plus-size women. It offers trendy and stylish clothing options.

Shoes.com: This online platform will offer a vast range of stylish footwear.

Parcel: a technology-based logistics company, Parcel specializes in last-mile delivery services.

Note: Several companies fall under Walmart. Numerous companies include Lider, ModCloth, Amigo, Aspectiva and Apple. Statistics show that Walmart’s total sales amounted to $96 billion.

List of Walmart’s Biggest Competitors

Amazon: Jeff Bezos founded Amazon as one of the largest e-commerce platforms with global operations. It is Walmart’s BIGGEST competitor that contests directly with Walmart’s online sales. Amazon offers many products, including electronics, clothing, and groceries. Amazon is gaining popularity with the introduction of services such as Prime (providing free two-day shipping). With fierce competition between the two, customers can seek exciting deals and a vast array of products.

Costco: Known for its membership-based model and bulk purchasing, Costco is a strong competitor in the retail market. Costco competes with Walmart in the grocery space and is reputable for providing high-quality products at low costs. Moreover, the membership model creates a loyal customer base, allowing the company to cater for customers seeking value and discounts on a wide range of products. While Walmart has a broader reach, its competitive advantage is Costco’s focus on quality.

Target: Target is a significant competitor to Walmart, offering a similar range of products, including apparel, home goods, electronics, and groceries, focusing on stylish and trendy offerings. As a small-scale department store chain, Target is an upscale discount retailer that intends to offer a premium shopping experience. Walmart might face aggressive competition from Target if the store improves its e-commerce platform.

Kroger: Kroger is a supermarket chain that competes with Walmart in the grocery sector, offering a variety of food and household items in physical stores and online. Like Walmart, this chain also emphasizes providing low prices. Customers can also purchase general merchandise such as electronics, beauty products and home goods at the store. Kroger has a firm footing in the market with a loyal customer base.

 Other competitors include Aldi, Meijer, and BJ’s Wholesale Club.

Who Owns Lowe’s Right Now? 

As of now, Lowe’s is an independent publicly traded company. Walmart or any other single entity does not own it. The ownership of Lowe’s is distributed among various shareholders, and its shares are listed on the Stock Exchange (with the symbol LOW). As of 2020, the company is on the Fortune 500 list.

Lowe’s was founded in 1921 and was headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina. It has since become one of the leading home improvement retailers, with 2200 stores across the US and Canada. The company operates a chain of retail stores that offer a wide range of products, including tools, appliances, flooring, building materials, and décor items. With a specific focus, Lowe’s has carved a niche for itself in the home improvement market.

List of Lowe’s Biggest Competitors

The Home Depot: As one of the largest home improvement retailers, The Home Depot is arguably Lowe’s primary (BIGGEST) competitor. With a vast network of 2200 stores, both companies compete for the attention of DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and professionals. In most cases, the two companies battle over product selection and pricing. When shopping for home improvement products, comparing prices for maximum savings is best.

Menards: Menards is another significant competitor for Lowe’s in the home improvement sector. It primarily operates in the Midwest region of the United States and provides building materials, tools, appliances, and more. Founded in 1958, this family-run company has around 300 stores and attracts budget-conscious consumers looking to purchase home improvement goods.

Ace Hardware: With 5300 stores in 70 countries, Ace Hardware is the largest hardware retailer. Like Home Depot, this company has a broad network of stores in the US. While smaller than Lowe’s, Ace Hardware stores are nationwide and considered a formidable competitor.  

Actual Value: Similar to Ace Hardware, True Value is a company of independently-owned stores that cater to professionals. The store offers various home improvement products and services.

News! Will Walmart Buy Lowes In The Future?

Even though the two companies seem to work under the same management, different owners run Walmart and Lowe’s. 

With a strong business relationship, it won’t be surprising if both retailers merge. However, Walmart does not intend to purchase Lowe’s in the future.

With independent operations, the two retail giants, in their own space, have coexisted for a long time. Both companies continue to operate independently, pursuing their respective strategies and goals. 

Rather than indulging in fierce competition, Walmart and Lowe regularly collaborate and offer exciting deals or discounts to their customers. The future does not hold any merger as there are no indications or news regarding such an acquisition.

Key Takeaways

• Walmart does not own Lowe’s; the two companies have separate ownership and management structures. In addition, Walmart has never held Lowe’s.
• Lowe’s is an independent publicly traded company specializing in home improvement products, serving DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors. The Home Depot is Lowe’s primary competitor in the home improvement and construction retail space
• Being a significant retailer in the US, Walmart owns numerous companies such as Sam’s Club, Jet.com, and Vudu, each catering to different aspects of the retail industry. The retailer faces competition from Amazon, Target, and Costco.