Lowe’s has launched its second annual “Into the Blue” product pitch event, inviting entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to apply to get their products on the home improvement retailer’s shelves.
Both U.S.-based and international companies and individuals with ready-for-market products can apply through March 20, 2023. Selected prospective suppliers will be invited to attend a live pitch event on June 13, 2023 that also will feature networking opportunities, a supplier fair and educational breakout sessions. The winning products will have the opportunity to be sold through Lowe’s 1,730+ retail stores and Lowes.com, and Lowe’s has committed to investing up to $5 million in purchase orders with businesses selected through the event.
“Last November, Into the Blue left us inspired and motivated by hard-working entrepreneurs looking for an opportunity to reach a larger audience,” said Bill Boltz, EVP of Merchandising at Lowe’s in a statement. “We couldn’t wait to do it again, so while we continue to work with last year’s winners to bring their products to market, we’re once again issuing the call to meet with more business owners and uncover products that will ultimately bring the latest innovations in home improvement to our customers.”
During the inaugural event, 270 suppliers were selected to pitch their products live to the Lowe’s merchandising team. Of those finalists, 170 new vendors were selected and have since been onboarded in each of the retailer’s business sectors: home décor, hardlines and building products. In 2020, Lowe’s also held a similar pitch competition called “Making it…With Lowe’s” to increase its pipeline of products from underrepresented groups such as women and minorities.
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