Lowe's

This triangular spinning sign was created to help organize Lowe's Garden Center departments. It can stand up to wind gusts without falling over -- it simply spins -- and the three-sided graphic panel guarantees that the appropriate message is always visible.

Lowe's Tool World (above), which rolled out last year, features tool "holsters" for all drills regardless of make, so customers can compare grips and handles in one spot. Manufacturer names are used on overhead banners as well as distinctive colorings that differentiate each brand.

In eschewing manufacturer's own display materials, Lowe's Cos. has taken on the task of creating a unified look for all of its departments. The category-management approach to design began last year with its Tool World department and has spread to its Carpet department in 1998.

This new concept in paint merchandising put themed brochures on the sides of the color pallet to give the consumer design ideas and color combinations from which to choose. This concept convinced Lowe's Home Centers to take the Olympic brand over two other leading national paint brands.

What began last year as an 8-foot display for Weiser's basic locksets in 200 Lowe's stores has been expanded to 16 feet with the addition of 4 feet apiece for the Powerbolt keyless entry systems (middle) and Prestige solid-brass lines (right).

The interactive kiosk uses touch-screen technology to allow customers to access safety topics such as child safety, senior safety, pet safety, poison prevention and home security. It's part of an effort by Lowe's Home Safety Council to help reduce home accidents each year.

Home safety is the focus of interactive kiosks recently installed in 250 Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses.

The Lowe's Cos., through its Lowe's Home Safety Council, has created an interactive, CD-based kiosk to provide free home safety tips to consumers in its 250 stores. The kiosk will be added to new stores as they open, and 600 are planned to be in operation by the year 2000.