Lowe’s readies Manhattan debut with new store format

Photo: At Broadway and 68th, a 30,000-sq.-ft. store takes shape.



New York -- Lowe’s is giving an overhaul to its store format strategy when it makes its Manhattan debut on Aug. 17.



The North Carolina-based retailer is set to open two stores in the Big Apple, with the first opening on the Upper West Side on Monday, and the second, in the city’s Chelsea neighborhood, in September.



Lowe’s already operates stores in New York City — it has two in Brooklyn and another in Staten Island. But the Manhattan outpost will represent a smaller convenience format. They also will feature more high-tech enhancements and such city-friendly services as a free potting station for indoor plants, reported the New York Daily News.



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.



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.