Supplier performance, product development and supply chain coordination remain important to retailers serving construction professionals and homeowners. Lowe’s Companies Inc. recognized three major suppliers as its 2026 Vendor Partners of the Year during its annual Vendor Forum on Oct. 13, 2026.
Trex was recognized in building products, GreatStar in hardlines and Sherwin-Williams in home décor. A.O. Smith received a separate sustainability award for its work in energy efficiency, water conservation and emissions reduction.
The annual program recognizes suppliers across Lowe’s merchandising divisions and highlights contributions to product availability, customer service, innovation and business performance.
Trex received recognition for its composite decking business, including the introduction of Trex Select Aluminum Railing, expanded production capacity and support for Lowe’s promotional activities. The partnership contributed to double-digit unit growth in composite decking, according to Lowe’s.
In the hardlines division, GreatStar was recognized for its hand tools, mechanic tools and storage products. Product assortment expansion, additional color options and cost-saving initiatives contributed to the partnership’s performance.
Sherwin-Williams was honored in the home décor division for field support, customer engagement, product development and training. Its contributions included helping Lowe’s manage a major supplier transition and introducing products such as ProBlock Primer.
Lowe’s also identified innovation partners across its merchandising divisions. Globe Electric was recognized for smart lighting and ceiling fan technology, while Metabo received an innovation award for its third-generation cordless pneumatic nailer. Midea was recognized for appliance innovations, including an over-the-range microwave designed with installation-focused mounting hardware and digital instructions.
A.O. Smith received the Sustainability Partner of the Year award for its portfolio of ENERGY STAR-certified and high-efficiency water heaters, alongside initiatives involving water conservation, greenhouse gas emissions and waste reduction.
Additional divisional award recipients included Pella, OmniMax, RWC and Feit Electric in building products; Weber, Scotts Miracle-Gro and Ariens in hardlines; and Bosch Home Appliances, Novalis and Monopy and Trading Company in home décor.
For construction owners and contractors, supplier developments can influence access to building materials, tools and equipment used in renovation and new construction projects. Retailer-supplier relationships also affect product assortment, availability and the introduction of new technologies.
Lowe’s awards do not establish specific construction contracts or guarantee product availability for individual projects. However, the recognition provides insight into supplier relationships and product categories receiving attention from one of the major U.S. home improvement retailers.
Source: Lowe's.
