Lowe's is committing $25 million to support the emerging needs of its customers, associates, and surrounding communities, according to a public letter from CEO and president Marvin Ellison.
The allocation includes a $10 million donation in essential protective products to assist medical professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lowe's is delivering respirators and other protective gear to hospitals through work with national healthcare supply distributors to allocate products where they are most needed.
Lowe's is also reducing its hours, closing all stores at 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Ellison said the reduced hours will allow additional time for essential product replenishment and for sanitation of facilities. The retailer is increasing measures to ensure cashiers and front-end team members regularly clean work stations and registers after each customer interaction.
As part of its financial commitment, Lowe's is also allocating $4.5 million to local branches to encourage the donation of products in local communities to help serve short- and long-term needs, according to Ellison. The retailer is also allocating $3 million to support associates and $3 million to support local small businesses, particularly skilled trades professionals, and allow these businesses to continue to operate. The company is also donating $1.5 million to support the COVID-19 Response Fund in its hometown of Charlotte, N.C., and $500,000 to the American Red Cross.
