Yeah, I don't know that I see any reason for either to go under.
I'm not sure what industry disruption Al was referring to, but perhaps online retailers like Wayfair and Overstock for things like fixtures? If that is the case, that pressure would only affect a small portion of the Lowe's/Home Depot business model. There aren't a lot of other options for things like building materials, and there certainly aren't any other one-stop retailers to find lumber, masonry products, drywall, roofing, etc. under one roof.
My (somewhat) sarcastic theory is that as long as HGTV is a "thing", Lowe's and Home Depot will be around. Because as long as people can sit on their couch and see people flip/renovate homes "on their own", they will try to do the same thing and will need a place to buy materials. And the average homeowner isn't going to go to a true lumber yard, lighting supplier, plumbing showroom, etc.
Lowe's and Home Depot may have to adjust their business models over time to account for growing online offerings, but I just don't ever see building materials being purchased online and delivered from a non-brick-and-mortar retailer. Maybe one buys the other at some point? Who knows.
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In response to this post by Hokie360)
Posted: 10/12/2018 at 2:01PM