Consumers can shop Lowe’s inventory via the iPhone  app. The app is currently available for free in Apple’s App Store.

“Empowering consumers with the ability to access information via their preferred means is a core tenant of our business at Lowe’s,” said Colleen Maiura, spokeswoman for Lowe’s, Mooresville, NC.

“We constantly evaluate how customers prefer to interact with Lowe’s brand and mobile is clearly a medium that’s important,” she said.

Lowe’s claims to be the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world with 1,775 stores in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Mobile improvement
The company is also using mobile bar codes in-store that let consumers scan them to view reviews, buy products and watch videos.

Users can also read user-generated, real-time reviews and ratings.

Additionally, consumers can buy items in-app and schedule them to either be delivered or picked up at the nearest store.

Customers can also use the device’s GPS to find  the nearest location.

The app also lets consumers access to the company’s YouTube page where they can learn how to create at-home projects with video tutorials and learn which products are required for craft projects.

Nailing the message
Lowe’s is known as being a brand that is focused on making consumers’ lives easier by giving them the tools to makeover their homes.

This past holiday season, the company let shoppers pick up last-minute items through the company’s mobile site (see story).

By using both in-store functions and company content, the Lowe’s app tries to meet consumers wherever they are.

“Consumers demand and deserve access to information, regardless of time or location,” Ms.  Maiura said.

“Enabling consumers to be inspired, conduct research, locate a store, or complete a purchase is foundational in the evolution of the shopping experience,” she said.

Final Take
Lauren Johnson is editorial assistant on Mobile Commerce Daily, New York