LOWES VS MENARDS RETAIL STRATEGIES

By Lisa Martinez

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Menards Lowes

The customer service was roughly the same between Menards and Lowes. When I first walked in, I was

greeted with the sight of a Guest Service Center at Menards. At Lowes, there were employees

everywhere. No employees approached me for the entire duration of my shopping trip in both stores, but

there were readily available if I needed them.

STORE DESIGN AND DISPLAY

Menards Lowes

There was a distinctive warehouse feeling to both of the stores. Tall ceilings with industrial lighting. The lighting at Lowes was a bit more oriented towards

“mood” lighting in certain areas of the store. Menards was a much larger store. Both stores had similar store fixtures and shelving. The isles were

noticeably larger in Lowes but still reasonably sized at Menards. The stores had a different layout, but

looked esthetically similar.

COMMUNICATION MIX

Menards Lowes

The communication mix was more noticeable in Menards in my opinion. Menards had more “sale” signs and posters. They also had far more direct

advertising. Lowes still had a reasonable amount of signage, most of which was related to information

rather than sales. My analysis of the two stores resulted in my belief that Menards spends far more time concerned with their marketing mix to a local, cost concerned, consumer. Lowes focuses more on

it’s image as a corporation.

LOCATION

Menards Lowes

The location of Menards was easy to find, very accessible, and very visible from the street. Their location is very good in my opinion.

The location of Lowes was not so easy to find, not very accessible, and

not very visible from the street. Their

location in not very good in my opinion.

MERCHANDISE ASSORTMENT

Menards Lowes

The merchandise assortment between the two stores was similar. I noticed a lot more item, selection wise,

in Menards. It was almost overwhelming at times because of the sheer amount of items. Lowes had some of the same items, but I did notice more of a

variety at Menards.

PRICE

Menards Lowes

The prices, having done price comparisons and shopped at both stores, are vastly better at Menards.

You can find exactly what you need, at a budget friendly price. Lowes does have better deals on

specific items, but I would rather take my money to Menards overall.

CONCLUSION

Menards

•Budget Friendly

•More item selection

•Similar customer service to Lowes

•Signs in store contained a lot of info. Was a bit overwhelming at times.

•Location was good

•Store design was similar to Lowes

Lowes

•Not as budget friendly over all. Better price on some bigger ticket items.

•Less selection, yet generally the same items.

•Similar customer service to Menards.

•Signs in store were direct and informative

•Location wasn’t as good

•Store design was similar to Menards