How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to sell an idea to Lowe's
Holds open calls
Lowe’s has held a live pitch event where businesses with ready-for-market products, applying at Lowes.com/Suppliers, could win purchase orders as new suppliers. It has bought RONA and Foundation Building Materials.
“Today through Aug. 14, interested businesses with ready-for-market products can apply at Lowes.com/Suppliers.”
“Entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes can apply for a chance to participate in this first-ever live event, during which Lowe's plans to invest a target of $5 million in purchase orders* to new suppliers with opportunities for products to be carried within the company's more than 1,700 retail stores and online at Lowes.com.”
What it says it looks for
“Businesses big and small are invited, but they all need to bring one thing: a unique product that will serve Lowe’s customers.”
“If you* have a ready-for-market product you’d like to pitch to Lowe’s, you can enter now!”
What it has bought from outside
2016
RONA (Canadian home improvement chain) from RONA inc. $3.2 billion CAD
“Lowe's acquired Rona for $3.2 billion CAD in May 2016.…” en.wikipedia.org
2025
Foundation Building Materials from Foundation Building Materials $8.8 billion
“Lowe's agreed to acquire Foundation Building Materials for $8.8 billion in cash in August 2025, purchasing the home improvement supplier with the intention of expanding into the business that serves contractors and builders. [ 26 ]” en.wikipedia.org
Other companies that take an invention or product idea
