Battle of the giants

Home Depot, the number one in the DIY chain world rankings and Lowe’s, its rival at number two, are locked in unrelenting competition. While Lowe’s has recorded the higher growth rates in the last few years, market leader Home Depot continues to be ahead with regard to some indicators. As reported in the latest issue of the trade journal DIY in Europe, Home Depot’s turnover per store and per square metre of retail area is still higher than that of Lowe’s, although Lowe’s can claim to enjoy higher turnover per employee and a higher average till receipt. The market leader has now also been overtaken by its smaller rival with regard to average store size.