Lowe’s and its larger competitor, Home Depot, keep upping the ante to see which Big Box chain can deliver faster.
The giant DIY chain is testing delivery by drone for select products from its store in Matthews, NC, near its headquarters. Teaming up with DoorDash and Wing, the on-demand drone delivery provider supported by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, the company says its can make deliveries in as little as 20 minutes. The service is open to both its regular DIY customers and its Pro members.
It said this is in addition to same-day fulfillment options for customers placing online orders from the Mathews store, including buy-online, pick-up in store, curbside pickup and same-day delivery. Lowe’s said it has been providing same-day deliveries through Instacart since 2022, with OneRail since 2023 and using Shipt and DoorDash since 2024.
While the drone service only encompasses some products, it does include hand tools, paint and such items as soap, tape, cleaners and batters. There is a 2.5-pound weight limit.
“At Lowe’s, our mission is to solve problems and fulfill dreams for the home,” said Seemantini Godbole, chief information and AI officer at Lowe’s. “To achieve this mission, we’re removing friction from home improvement and making it easier for customers to enjoy their home. Any technology we implement is designed to eliminate that friction so our customers can complete their projects quickly.
“By piloting drone delivery,” Godbole added, “we’re addressing a real project pain point with an innovative solution that is integrated into the retail journey, giving our hometown customers next-generation fulfillment right when they need it.”
