Lowe’s Pledges $250M for Trades Training, Launches $99 HomeCare+ Service
Lowe's committed $250 million to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035 to counter a projected 350,000-worker shortfall in construction. It launched its $99-per-year HomeCare+ subscription, expanded AI ties with OpenAI, Nvidia, Palantir and Google, and forecast flat to 2% same-store sales growth for 2026.
1. Skilled Trades Investment
Lowe's foundation pledged $250 million to train 250,000 skilled tradespeople by 2035 to address a projected retirement of 41% of construction workers over the next five years and an expected 350,000-worker shortfall in the industry.
2. HomeCare+ Subscription Launch
The retailer introduced HomeCare+, a $99-per-year subscription that provides two annual maintenance visits for tasks like HVAC filter replacement and water heater flushing, targeting aging homeowners and first-time buyers seeking preventative home services.
3. AI Partnerships and Sales Outlook
Lowe’s deepened AI collaborations with OpenAI, Nvidia, Palantir and Google to streamline both in-store and online operations, while forecasting flat to 2% same-store sales growth for 2026 as home improvement demand remains subdued.