I was at Lowes from 2003 to 2008 at corporate HQ- it was one of the best experiences of my career as I was mentored by hard core home improvement veterans of 20+ years- what incredible experts, collaborators, hard workers and team players. I came back to Lowes as a consultant in 2015 and was shocked at the new leadership, the lack of focus and inner fighting for turf vs fighting the competition and for the customer... no one seemed solid and true. The in- store experience began to falter as well.... last summer I walked into the garden Dept and asked a young millennial to point me in the direction of the sod and she asked me "what is sod".... sigh... then went over to outdoor furniture and asked another millennial if they had any andoranuck (sp?) chairs and she said she has never heard of such a chair. Gone are the trusted advisors and old fashion striving for well earned customer loyalty. I am terribly sad for everyone but this is also cyclical and historical of retail as every 2 decades we see many retailers be put to sleep. For all of you that are seasoned professionals....remember... grey is the new green.
2 replies (most recent on top)
Lowes is a "good ol boys club" at best. I had +20 yrs. experience in my field and was not interviewed for a position that everyone in the store knew that I was more qualified for then any candidates. My SM was recently divorced and going through a midlife crises and was too busy hiring his favorite strippers and bartenders and party buddies for management to even consider the qualified current store employees. I was told I "was not a good fit" and couldn't get an interview. The pizza delivery guy with 3mos. experience got the job. I was hugged against my will by a subordinate and my manager laughed when I told him. When I told his boss, he laughed as well. A week later I was fired. Do not shop or work here if you are a woman. If you are on work release from jail they can use you to run the store. At least one DM and one Sales Specialist had to catch the van each day. I hope people see Lowes for what they really are and do not shop there.
After reading the postings here it is obvious that is what the new Lowes wants. They do not want experienced workers but "cheaper" workers. Sad but true.