Revolutionizing Home Improvement: How Lowe’s and Home Depot Are Using AI to Enhance Your Online Shopping Experience

Imagine getting expert home improvement advice without stepping foot in a store. That’s the game-changing reality Lowe’s and Home Depot are bringing to life with their new AI-powered tools, Mylow and Magic Apron. Launched this week, these innovative solutions aim to replicate the in-store guidance customers love, making it available online for DIY enthusiasts, homeowners, and professional contractors alike. As artificial intelligence reshapes the retail landscape, these home improvement giants are leading the charge by blending technology with top-notch customer service.

In this article, we’ll dive into what these AI tools offer, how they benefit both customers and store associates, and how they align with each company’s vision for a seamless shopping experience—all optimized with SEO-friendly keywords like AI in home improvement, online shopping tools, and customer experience in retail.

Meet the AI Tools: Mylow and Magic Apron

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot have unveiled cutting-edge AI solutions designed to make online shopping for home improvement as intuitive as an in-store visit. Here’s what each tool brings to the table:

Lowe’s Mylow: Your Personal Home Improvement Assistant

• What It Is: Launched on Wednesday, Mylow is an AI-powered adviser created with OpenAI. It’s currently available to MyLowe’s Rewards members via the Lowe’s website, with plans to add voice features and app access later in 2024.
• What It Does: Mylow answers your home improvement questions, suggests products with direct checkout links, and tailors advice based on your budget or location—perfect for DIYers of all skill levels.
• Why It’s Unique: It’s conversational and user-friendly, offering digestible tips and personalized recommendations to simplify your projects.

Home Depot’s Magic Apron: A Suite of Smart Tools

• What It Is: Introduced on Thursday, Magic Apron is a collection of generative AI tools embedded across “millions” of product pages on Home Depot’s website and mobile app.
• What It Does: It boosts search accuracy, answers queries, provides how-to guides, suggests products, and summarizes reviews. Upcoming features include design inspiration and product comparisons.
• Why It’s Unique: It bridges the gap between online browsing and in-store expertise, with plans to expand to Home Depot’s professional B2B site for contractors.

Both tools are built to enhance—not replace—the role of store associates, ensuring a consistent experience whether you’re shopping online or in person.

Why These AI Tools Are a Big Deal

Home improvement often calls for expert input, and Mylow and Magic Apron deliver that support straight to your screen. Here’s how they’re transforming the online shopping experience:

• Conversational Help: Ask natural questions like, “How much mulch do I need for my garden?” and get clear, step-by-step answers.
• Project Support: From beginners to pros, these tools offer actionable advice, product picks, and guidance tailored to your needs.
• Time-Saving: AI handles routine tasks, freeing up associates to tackle trickier questions while speeding up your shopping process.
• In-Store Vibes Online: They recreate the helpfulness of a store visit, making it easier to plan and shop from home.

Supporting Store Associates with AI

These tools aren’t just for customers—they’re also empowering employees:

• Lowe’s: Mylow integrates with the associate-facing app, giving workers access to the same tech to assist you faster and smarter.
• Home Depot: Magic Apron channels the know-how of Home Depot’s iconic “orange-aproned” associates into the digital realm, enhancing their ability to serve you online or in-store.

This dual-purpose design ensures that AI strengthens the human touch, not replaces it.

Different Strategies, Same Goal: Better Customer Experience

Lowe’s and Home Depot are leveraging AI to elevate customer experience in retail, but their approaches reflect unique priorities:

Lowe’s: Tech-Driven Convenience

• Focus: A tech-forward CX strategy that weaves AI into its loyalty program and digital platforms.
• Goal: Create a friction-free, interconnected experience for DIYers and pros alike. CEO Marvin Ellison noted in December that this approach aims to “grow market share by winning new customers looking for a seamless shopping experience.”
• How Mylow Fits: It’s part of a broader push to personalize shopping through the MyLowe’s Rewards program and the Lowe’s Digital Home Platform, offering tailored product info and maintenance tips.

Home Depot: Pro-Centric Innovation

• Focus: Enhancing the professional contractor experience, both online and in-store.
• Goal: Support contractors with tools like Magic Apron, alongside in-store perks like pro-focused managers and jobsite delivery options. EVP Jordan Broggi emphasized bringing “the expertise of our associates into the digital world.”
• How Magic Apron Fits: It’s rolling out to the B2B site soon, offering contractors customized support for their unique demands.

What’s Coming Next?

The future of AI in home improvement looks bright, with both retailers planning upgrades:

• Mylow: Voice activation and app integration by year-end, making on-the-go help a breeze.
• Magic Apron: New features like design ideas and product comparisons, plus tailored support for contractors on the B2B site.

These updates promise to make home improvement shopping even more accessible and efficient.

A Smarter Way to Shop for Home Improvement

With Mylow and Magic Apron, Lowe’s and Home Depot are redefining how we shop for home improvement online. These AI-powered tools deliver expert advice, personalized recommendations, and a seamless experience—whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned contractor. By supporting both customers and associates, they’re bridging the gap between digital convenience and in-store expertise.

As AI continues to evolve, Lowe’s tech-savvy approach and Home Depot’s pro-focused strategy are setting the stage for a new era of home improvement advice and online shopping tools. Ready to tackle your next project? These tools have you covered.