Lowe's builds a new strategy with N.Y. stores

Lowe’s is giving an overhaul to its store format strategy when it opens in New York City this week.

The North Carolina-based retailer is set to open two stores in New York City’s Manhattan borough, with the first expected to begin serving the Upper West Side on Monday.

Lowe’s already operates stores in New York City -- it has two in Brooklyn and another in Staten Island. But the Manhattan stores are interesting in that they will represent a smaller convenience format.

The new stores -- at 2008 Broadway on the Upper West Side, and at 635 Sixth Ave. in the Chelsea neighborhood -- will measure about 30,000 sq. ft. The typical Lowe’s format is in the neighborhood of 100,000 sq. ft.

At the Upper West Side location this week, a Lowe’s employee was busy at the entrance talking to workers and curious neighbors as the final touches were being prepared inside.

The Manhattan launch has been in the works for a while. Late last year, Richard Maltsbarger, Lowe’s chief development officer, announced: "We are excited to expand our presence to Manhattan, and we look forward to offering Lowe's project expertise and tailored product selection in two convenient locations," he said in a statement. "We know customers in Manhattan are already shopping with Lowe's online and at our New York area stores. Based on our research, we are developing these locations to meet the unique needs of these customers."

Rival Home Depot operates two larger stores in Manhattan on the Upper East Side and in Chelsea, not far from the planned Lowe’s Chelsea store.