Home Improvement Stores Cite Sales Surge from Winter Storms

January’s winter storms froze half the country, but heated up sales at major home improvement and equipment companies as customers sought supplies to ride out the weather and repair their homes.

Lowe’s Cos. Inc. on Wednesday joined that chorus. A surge in generator, snowblower, flashlight, and gas can purchases contributed to a 5.8% same-store sales increase in January, when winter storms Fern and Giana froze a vast stretch of the country, the retailer’s Chief Financial Officer Brandon Sink said on an earnings call.

Home Depot Inc., Generac Holdings Inc., and Tractor Supply Co. also reported higher sales.

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