Lowe’s launches first at-scale AI assistant for retail associates across 1,700 stores

Why Is Lowe’s Introducing AI for Retail Associates Now?

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) has launched “Mylow Companion,” its first generative AI assistant designed exclusively for in-store associates. Rolled out on 5 May 2025 across more than 1,700 U.S. stores, the platform marks a pivotal development in the home improvement sector’s shift toward AI-enabled customer engagement.

The launch comes amid rising industry pressure to boost operational efficiency and elevate customer service at a time when U.S. retailers are navigating declining foot traffic, increasing wage costs, and growing expectations for instant, personalised support.

Mylow Companion complements Lowe’s broader digital strategy, which began with the rollout of the customer-facing “Mylow” AI virtual advisor earlier in 2025. Both platforms were developed in collaboration with OpenAI, integrating large language model technology with proprietary Lowe’s data to transform the retail experience on both sides of the counter.

What Does Mylow Companion Do in Real Time?

Built into handheld devices already used by staff, Mylow Companion provides real-time answers to common customer and product-related queries. Associates can use natural voice prompts or typed input to ask questions such as “What sealant works best for outdoor wood?” or “Which power drill is compatible with a masonry bit?” The system then draws on Lowe’s proprietary database of products, inventory data, and customer service protocols to deliver concise, actionable guidance instantly.

Mylow Companion is purpose-built for associates, unlike Mylow, which focuses on end customers. The AI assistant also features voice-to-text functionality, allowing for hands-free use—an important element in fast-paced retail environments.

According to Seemantini Godbole, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Lowe’s, the rollout ensures that even new hires with limited experience can immediately offer expert-level support. The goal, she explained, is to “level up” every associate’s capabilities, regardless of tenure or departmental familiarity.

What Makes This AI Launch a Retail First?

Lowe’s is the first home improvement retailer—and one of the first U.S. retailers overall—to launch a generative AI tool for store associates at scale. The company’s ability to coordinate the deployment across 1,700+ locations distinguishes it from pilot initiatives at peer retailers, which often remain limited to a handful of stores or departments.

Lowe’s believes that deep integration of AI into store-level operations, rather than back-office functions, is what will define the next phase of digital transformation in physical retail. The deployment also reflects the company’s focus on real-world use cases that directly impact sales conversion, customer retention, and associate productivity.

How Does This Fit into Lowe’s Broader Digital Transformation?

Mylow Companion is the latest in a series of technology-forward retail enhancements from Lowe’s. The company recently launched the first home improvement app compatible with Apple Vision Pro and introduced an interactive digital twin system for visualising store layouts and operations.

Together, these tools form part of Lowe’s AI-led transformation agenda—aimed at creating a seamless, intelligent, and highly assistive retail environment for both customers and employees.

This transformation aligns with a broader trend across U.S. retail, where companies are increasingly using AI to optimise inventory management, streamline checkout, and personalise promotions. Lowe’s, however, is unique in applying AI directly at the associate level, creating what it describes as “retail’s most assistive workforce.”

How Is Lowe’s Stock Performing?

As of 2 May 2025, Lowe’s stock (NYSE: LOW) closed at $227.19, down 7.05% year-to-date. The dip reflects broader headwinds facing the discretionary retail segment, including inflation-driven spending slowdowns and tighter homeowner budgets. Still, investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, particularly in light of the company’s aggressive digital execution.

Institutional investors control over 77% of Lowe’s shares, indicating significant long-term confidence. Recent filings show that Aptus Capital Advisors LLC increased its stake by 14% in Q4 FY2024, purchasing over 13,000 shares. This uptick in institutional accumulation suggests that buy-side analysts view Lowe’s digital transformation—including the AI rollout—as a positive signal for long-term operational leverage.

What Are Analysts Saying About Lowe’s Stock?

Analysts maintain a “Moderate Buy” rating on Lowe’s, with a median price target of $247.49—implying a 9% upside from current levels. Price forecasts range from $190 to $305, reflecting varied views on consumer resilience and the speed at which Lowe’s can monetise its tech investments.

KeyBanc Capital Markets recently upgraded its recommendation to “Overweight,” citing valuation attractiveness and robust technology leadership. Meanwhile, Morningstar noted that the AI initiatives could yield long-term benefits through lower training costs, higher transaction values, and increased conversion rates at the store level.

Still, some analysts caution that the near-term gains from such technologies may take several quarters to be reflected in financial metrics such as operating margin or same-store sales growth.

How Did Lowe’s Perform Financially in Recent Quarters?

In its most recent earnings report, Lowe’s posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.93, ahead of consensus estimates of $1.84. Same-store sales grew by 0.2% on a year-on-year basis, buoyed by demand for emergency and repair supplies following recent storm events in the U.S. southeast.

For FY2025, the company forecasts EPS between $12.15 and $12.40, slightly below the consensus estimate of $12.49. Revenue guidance ranges between $82 billion and $87 billion, reflecting cautious optimism amid macroeconomic volatility.

The margin trajectory remains stable, with Lowe’s focusing on expense management and SKU rationalisation to defend profitability. Analysts expect any margin expansion to be driven by productivity gains from AI and automation initiatives like Mylow Companion.

What’s the Broader Sector Context for This Launch?

The U.S. home improvement market, valued at over $400 billion, is experiencing a shift in consumer behaviour post-pandemic. DIY enthusiasm remains elevated, but discretionary upgrades are slowing amid rising mortgage rates and declining home equity values.

Retailers such as Home Depot and Ace Hardware are also investing in tech, but Lowe’s appears to be outpacing them in employee-focused innovation. Its first-mover advantage in AI for associate enablement may provide an edge in workforce retention, customer satisfaction, and service differentiation in an otherwise mature market.

What Comes Next for Mylow Companion and Lowe’s AI Roadmap?

Lowe’s plans to iterate on both Mylow and Mylow Companion over the coming quarters. Upcoming versions are expected to include predictive suggestions, enhanced integration with e-commerce fulfilment, and deeper personalisation based on user preferences. Feedback loops built into the app allow real-time training data to inform AI model adjustments.

Brad Lightcap, Chief Operating Officer at OpenAI, said the collaboration seeks to merge Lowe’s operational expertise with advanced AI capabilities to make it “faster and easier for associates to help customers.” The partnership is expected to expand, potentially introducing additional AI-powered tools for inventory planning, dynamic pricing, or workforce scheduling.

The retailer also intends to track KPIs such as associate response time, customer satisfaction scores, and sales conversion to assess the ROI of Mylow Companion. These metrics may be discussed in future earnings calls and investor presentations, as Wall Street begins to quantify the impact of generative AI in brick-and-mortar retail.