Home-improvement retailer Lowe’s is rolling out tool rental departments nationwide. The Lowe’s Tool Rental began a multi-year national rollout with its first space opening in Charlotte, N.C. The new program aims to create a one-stop shop for all the tools and equipment pro and do-it-yourself (DIY) customers need to complete home improvement projects.
The tool rental department will feature a new fleet of commercial-grade equipment, including brands such as Husqvarna, Bosch, and Metabo HPT. The department will include a range of drain cleaning, restoration, sanitation, and concrete tools in addition to merchandise to accompany rental tools, such as protective equipment and cleaning solutions, for purchase.
Lowe’s Tool Rental program will also feature technology that allows for an easy check-in and check-out process with an online reservation option, in-store self-service kiosks, and digital documents that can be signed from a mobile device. The department will feature a team of associates to provide hands-on product demonstration and approximately 4,000 square feet of space.
“For all of our customers, having the right tool is key to every project, but they may not always want to purchase a new tool or piece of equipment,” Fred Stokes, senior vice president of pro sales and services for Lowe’s, said in a news release. “Lowe’s Tool Rental helps customers save on the cost of owning, maintaining, and store the tools they need.”
Lowe’s Tool Rental departments will be newly constructed spaces that either expand the Lowe’s store or are located on Lowe’s property next to an existing store, according to the retailer.
Stokes said the tool rental program is the retailer’s latest commitment to pros. The retailer launched Lowe’s for Pros JobSIGHT in June, an augmented video chat service powered by Streem that combines video, computer vision, and augmented reality capabilities to allow pros to conduct virtual visits with customers. Lowe’s also entered a partnership with HomeAdvisor to offer Lowe’s for Pros Loyalty Program members a free, year-long HomeAdvisor subscription to enhance lead generation and pledged to open 50 cross dock delivery terminals, seven bulk distribution centers, and four e-commerce fulfillment centers over the next 18 months.
