Lowe’s roundup
Lowe’s launches mobile health care
While many companies are looking hard at the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and measuring its costs and impact, Lowe’s is looking at another area of employee health care—a rolling health clinic.
The Mooresville, N.C.-based giant is providing free health screenings to its employees through two custom-built mobile screening units that began rolling around the country last month.
The mobile units are part of the company’s Lowe’s Life Track Health and Wellness Program, described by Bob Ihrie, Lowe’s senior VP employee rewards and services, as a first of its kind for a national retailer.
“When employees choose to take a health risk assessment (HRA) and participate in the health screening, they become actively engaged in their health and are able to get personal advice for their health needs,” he said in a prepared statement. “Over time, we will have a healthier, more productive work force.”
At Lowe’s, the plans are for the vehicles to travel more than 100,000 miles during the next two and a half years.
Stainmaster finds exclusive home at Lowe’s
Lowe’s scored a merchandising coup in the carpet aisle with the announcement of an exclusive home center distribution deal with Stainmaster Carpet.
Stainmaster, a brand of Kennesaw, Ga.-based Invista, is self-described as North America’s most recognized carpet brand. The company pointed to 89% branded awareness as evidence of its leadership position in the floor covering market.
“When shopping for carpet, customers look for products that deliver durability, repellency and soil resistance features,” said Patti Price, Lowe’s senior VP merchandising, in a prepared statement. “When our customers choose Stainmaster carpet, they know the product will perform in their active household.”
Lowe’s will feature a Stainmaster Gallery to help consumers choose the right carpet and simplify the shopping experience, she added.
Beyond the home center channel, the brand will continue to be distributed through local Stainmaster Flooring Centers and aligned dealers in the United States and Canada.
The mission is to provide free basic health screening and guidance for more than 70,000 Lowe’s employees. Medical professionals on the mobile health units will screen employees for blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and more.
The National Business Group on Health, a national nonprofit organization, recently named Lowe’s a Silver winner of the 2009 Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles award.
Lowe’s adds new paint line in Canada
Lowe’s has announced a strategic partnership with Canadian paint manufacturer Para Paints, which will be sold in all of Lowe’s Canada stores by mid-April 2010.
Lowe’s will carry two major Para sub-brands including Para Lifestyles paint for consumer markets and Para Professional Precision, which caters to both consumers, as well as painting contractors. The launch will also include Para’s home color system, with more than 2,150 designer shades.
“Partnering with well-established Canadian paint brands like Para allows us to continue our efforts to offer Canadians the best products at the best prices,” said Bob Sherwood, VP merchandising for Lowe’s. “By partnering with a trusted brand, we are ensuring that our customers have even more choice when it comes to choosing the right product to complement their design and home improvement needs.”
Lowe’s currently offers the Valspar and Olympic brand paint lines in its Canadian stores.
In a press release, Para highlighted its 96-year history and said it will maintain its dedication to the independent dealer channel in Canada.