The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Home centers can sell more than tools and renovation supplies. A November 2019 Lowe’s article highlighted five less-predictable products: a kimchi refrigerator, mattress, portable bidet, xerographica air plant and bagged manure. They make a useful snapshot of how broad a home-center assortment can be—but the article is dated, so check local listings before making a trip.
Five unexpected products Lowe’s highlighted
Lowe’s published its roundup on November 11, 2019, describing products shoppers might not expect to find at a home-improvement retailer. The examples below reflect what the company reported then, not a guarantee of current inventory.
| Product | What it is for | What Lowe’s reported |
|---|---|---|
| Kimchi refrigerator | Storing and fermenting foods | Lowe’s described models designed to adjust temperatures to enhance production of lactic acid bacteria associated with fermented foods. |
| Mattress | Bedroom furnishing | Included among the less-predictable products in the 2019 roundup; further specifications were not stated in the article. |
| Portable bidet | Personal hygiene | Lowe’s identified it as a personal-hygiene product. |
| Xerographica air plant | Decorative indoor plant | Lowe’s said it does not need soil, can sit in a bowl or on a desk or bookshelf, and needs a light misting once a week. |
| Bagged manure | Garden and soil use | Lowe’s said the product was mostly cow and chicken manure, sold under regional brands. The company reported that well over 1,000 stores carried manure at the time. |
The plant-care and kimchi-fridge descriptions are Lowe’s claims, not independent product testing. The manure store count is historical, not a current availability figure. Read Lowe’s 2019 roundup.
Why home centers carry more than building supplies
A home center serves overlapping needs: construction and repair, household upkeep, furnishing, gardening and everyday convenience. That can bring unexpected items into the same retail environment as lumber, paint and power tools. In a May 10, 2021 announcement, Lowe’s said it had more than two million products available; that was a company-reported figure at that time, not a current product count. Its merchandising executive vice president, Bill Boltz, said, “Our team is focused on making it easier than ever for customers to find the best of the best.” Read the May 2021 announcement.
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#1 Best Overall
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
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The breadth is not limited to Lowe’s. The Home Depot homepage lists categories including appliances, cleaning, automotive, furniture, garden and tools. Its homepage cautions that local prices may vary and displayed availability is not guaranteed. Check The Home Depot’s current categories and local listings.
Check local availability before you go
- Search the retailer’s current website or app for the exact product name and select your local store.
- Check the listing for pickup or delivery options, then confirm any displayed stock information before setting out.
- For Lowe’s five examples, remember that the cited roundup dates to 2019; it does not establish whether any particular item is stocked now.
- For The Home Depot, account for the company’s warning that local prices vary and displayed availability is not guaranteed.
These examples show the range a home center may offer, not a price or quality ranking. Current product details, prices and stock should be confirmed with the retailer for your location.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
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Rank #2
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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