MOORESVILLE, N.C., April 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Lowe's and Porch.com (http://porch.com) announced the expansion of their strategic partnership to the more than 1,700 Lowe's home improvement stores across the U.S.
Every Lowe's store in the country now features Porch as the in-store resource to help homeowners find the right home improvement professionals for nearly any project outside of Lowe's current installation services. In addition, home improvement service professionals can sign up for a free Porch profile to help increase the exposure of their business to homeowners in need of their specific services.
"While we have already been able to help our customers with projects like installing flooring or remodeling a kitchen, our partnership with Porch means we can now guide customers to find help for nearly any home improvement service, from routine maintenance to dream projects," said Jay Rebello, vice president new business development and corporate innovation at Lowe's. "Homeowners trust Lowe's products and project expertise, and now that relationship can extend to the search for home improvement pros by providing a highly personal, localized experience through Porch."
Porch was first introduced at Lowe's stores in the Carolinas and the Seattle area in January. If a Lowe's customer needs a professional for a service Lowe's does not currently offer, such as handyman, painting or landscaping services, employees can access the Porch network of pros on their mobile devices and in-store terminals to identify local providers.
"From day one, Porch has been on a mission to make home improvement simple, easy, and delightful" said Matt Ehrlichman, chief executive officer of Porch. "We launched our product just over six months ago and thanks to the enthusiastic feedback and support of our customers, Porch is becoming a true center of gravity for home improvement professionals and homeowners, enabling them to connect and work together like never before. Our team is excited to continue our collaboration with Lowe's to improve every facet of the home improvement experience."
The partnership with Porch is the latest in a series of technology initiatives Lowe's has introduced to enhance the in-store support employees can offer customers, including equipping employees with iPhones to help customers access information, view how-to videos, or locate product in the store efficiently. By bringing Porch to its stores, Lowe's will continue to simplify home improvement for its customers - homeowners and pros.
With more than 1.5 million professionals, Porch makes it is easier than ever for homeowners and renters to find the professional that is right for them based on neighborhood favorites, relevant experience, project and cost history, and personal preferences. In addition, with insights on more than 100 million projects, Porch gives its customers the tools they need to discover what's possible, such as project inspiration, expert advice, and home management tools. In March Porch launched the Porch Home Report, which includes the remodeling and project history of a specific home and neighborhood, and is available for free for every for-sale home in the country.
About Lowe's
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company serving approximately 15 million customers a week in the United States, Canada and Mexico. With fiscal year 2013 sales of $53.4 billion, Lowe's has more than 1,830 home improvement and hardware stores and 260,000 employees. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
About Porch
Porch is the home improvement network, free for homeowners and professionals. With over 1.5 million professionals and over 100 million projects in their network, Porch enables consumers to make smart home improvement decisions by connecting them with the right professionals. Porch helps professionals grow their business and succeed as homeowners look online for trusted professionals to complete their projects and improve their homes. For more information about Porch visit http://porch.com.
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CONTACT: Amanda Manna
Lowe's Companies, Inc.
(704) 758-2184
amanda.d.manna@lowes.com
Craig Cincotta
Porch.com
(206) 516-6240
craig@porch.com
