Thoughts on Craftsman coming to Lowes

[VH5150]

Who's excited to see Craftsman coming to Lowes this year?

IMO it's an outstanding move and about _ _ _ _ time! Yeah it isn't the USA stuff we were used to from decades past, but a lot of things aren't. You never know, we may see SBD get some Craftsman USA out there. Either way, I think this will be a big time competitive advantage for Lowes over HD as far as the tool market goes.

Your thoughts?

 

[Finance Guy]

Many comments posted in the following threads...

SBD's plans for Craftsman
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367384

SBD's Update On Craftsman, DeWalt/Flexvolt
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=373571

Lowes to sell Craftsman
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=373558

 

[Druder]

I was just talking to my father today how it's almost fitting that Craftsman transitioning away from American made almost cost them everything. If their tools kept the same quality it would be different but they didn't and then they stopped standing behind them. I started my collection with all Craftsman tools when I was a kid and while I haven't gotten rid of anything I haven't purchased anything from them in years.

 

[Tenex]

I worked at Lowe's for nearly a year with a guy, Todd, that had worked their for over a decade. It was annoying to hear him talk with pride about how Kobalt had defeated Craftsman and Kobalt was the way of the future. He would say it as though he had been instrumental in making it happen. He did, after all, hold the highly esteemed title of Customer Service Associate. I wish I could have seen his face when they announced Lowes would carry Craftsman.

 

[joop1987]

I have an old set of Craftsman tools just because they were made in the USA. Ever since they moved their production out of US, I get the same Taiwan grade of tools at Harbor Freight. The younger generation is not going to pay extra for Craftsman name.

 

[kctyphoon]

I think it's dumb for lowes to bring craftsman into their store, unless THEY had purchased the name.. pretty good way for them to bury their own house brand, which can't sell cordless tools to save their own life...

As a consumer - great.. hopefully it's more than one or two shelves that get craftsman handtools dedicated to them - so I wouldn't go getting all excited just yet. Lowes will still have to protect their own brand, and ya can't really do that with dedicating half the tool space to craftsman. I think it's unlikely you will find a particularly large selection like you did at Sears, inside a lowes.. I think you'll see more what you saw inside a Kmart instead.. not much of anything.

 

[tym]

Won't really change my tool-buying habits any. My local Lowes tool selection has always been inferior in selection and quantity to the Home Depot two miles away...

 

[BMack37]

I still won't pay money for something not rebadged by a good manufacturer as Craftsman(Vessel, Knipex, Ullman, etc). Right now the new Kobalt mini head ratchets are a lot nicer than all the current Craftsman ratchets they sell.

 

[four.cycle]

It's quite possible that Lowes could drop "Kobalt" like a hot potato without notice.
Craftsman still has, and will continue to have far better brand recognition than what "Kobalt" has or will have at any foreseeable point in the future.
Regardless of where it is sourced from, whether that's the USA or China or Outer Mongolia, retail buyers will still perceive Craftsman as a high-quality product; the majority of consumers at Lowes are most likely not GarageJournal members.

Over the long term, if Lowes and SBD have negotiated some sort of contractual agreement that gives Lowes an edge over other mass-merchandiser retailers from the outset, it would be to Lowes' advantage to jump in with both feet.

It would also be to SBD's advantage to get the product line into a mass-merchandiser retailer where they can make a decent profit margin (as opposed to giving away the store to get it into Walmart) and establish a long-term relationship that will expedite the recovery of their enormous investment in buying the Craftsman name.

Just my lousy opinion, but I would say you might see some serious clearance sales of "Kobalt" products in the near future.

 

[Jim c]

I agree with four cycle on the marketing plan for Lowe’s. Craftsman still has a very strong brand recognition. Maybe kobalt will become their lower line of tool at Lowe’s?

 

[byoungblood]

It's quite possible that Lowes could drop "Kobalt" like a hot potato without notice.
Craftsman still has, and will continue to have far better brand recognition than what "Kobalt" has or will have at any foreseeable point in the future.
Regardless of where it is sourced from, whether that's the USA or China or Outer Mongolia, retail buyers will still perceive Craftsman as a high-quality product; the majority of consumers at Lowes are most likely not GarageJournal members.

Agreed. One only needs to walk into a pawn shop, garage or estate sale to realize how much name recognition Craftsman has at the mass consumer level.

I made out with a Williams S-52 1/2" ratchet for $1 while they asked $10 for an inferior RP Craftsman at a recent estate sale I went to. You can even pick up the old Williams made Kobalt and Stanley made Husky for much less than Craftsman tools of the same vintage.

If SBD produces something that is better than Harry Homeowner grade tools with the Craftsman name, then you may see Kobalt being depreciated as an economy line.

 

[RAS61]

I haven't shopped Craftsman or Sears for years, had no interest once they started sourcing from China. Not sure If they have much in the way of American or Pro tools any more, but has to be a lot less now. While cheap tools certainly has it's place and market, they should try to resurrect and restore the brand with better tools. If nothing else, a premium line gives the whole line-up and brand prestige.

 

[sberry]

It wont do anything for me. Don't care but lets see if they carry the sales on sets like Sears did. Any cheaper and they would have had to pay people to carry them to the car. No wonder they couldn't make any money.

 

[EOC_Jason]

It's quite possible that Lowes could drop "Kobalt" like a hot potato without notice.
Craftsman still has, and will continue to have far better brand recognition than what "Kobalt" has or will have at any foreseeable point in the future.

That is my thoughts... Lowes has always been the "cheaper" of the two big box stores, perhaps they don't want the overhead of having to maintain and expand their own tool line when it would be cheaper just to let SBD do their thing. All the cheap Chinese tools you know have to be a low profit margin, and slap on "lifetime warranty" on top of that, it is very competitive with every hardware store, auto parts store, farm supply, etc, etc, selling essentially the same thing.

Also look at it from Lowes perspective... Drop their own line to save money, and with the "Craftsman" name, perhaps that will boost sales in tools, and people going to buy tools will buy other products, etc, etc...

 

[anndel]

Good for them, time will tell if Craftsman is successful. I'll go and take a look and maybe pick up some tools.

 

[Bluejoe]

I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m in agreement with fourcycle. How about bringing our broken tools to Lowe’s for free replacement.

 

[fordgasm]

The local Sears is closing and starting friday will be liquidating everything. I should see if there is still some decent USA made craftsman stuff left.

 

[6PTsocket]

I was just talking to my father today how it's almost fitting that Craftsman transitioning away from American made almost cost them everything. If their tools kept the same quality it would be different but they didn't and then they stopped standing behind them. I started my collection with all Craftsman tools when I was a kid and while I haven't gotten rid of anything I haven't purchased anything from them in years.

Sears' troubles go far beyond the degrading of the Craftsman line. Many years of bad management, the general trend away from mall shopping, their horrible online prices and generally terrible site. They charge sales tax on shipping. That was a new one on me. The Craftsman quality was on the way down before they started importing. The Kenmore appliances often have less features and sell for more money than the similar model sold by their vendor under their own name. I saw my Samsung stove in there but without the $100 upgrade stainless top that I bought. They were asking $400 more than I paid. That is a $500 difference. You can't stay in business like that. Every few months they close another hundred stores. It won't be long now. There is a general deterioration of tools from big retailers. Husky and Kobalt are nothing special and you can get the same stuff at HF for less. Sears did not sell Craftsman because it is garbage ( which it is) but because SB&D thought it had value and Sears is desperate for cash to stay afloat. Sears Chinese tools were profitable, even if more astute buyers wrote them off.

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[Motorman55]

I don't own any Kobalt tools. I've looked them over but didn't feel they were any better then the HF imported stuff and they were more expensive to boot.

However, I have purchased a few Craftsman items at Sears. The last tools were their three piece Made in USA striking prybar set. Got a good deal on sale plus I had a few points too that they took off on the price.

If Craftsman were to come back into the US manufacturing scene, I'd purchase more...of course always on sale or with a discount coupon of some sort, which is usually how I buy anything.

 

[Rickster]

I'm sorry, but I can't get on the China craftsman bandwagon. I can't justify paying cman prices for harbor freight quality. Not bashing anyone here, but I'd rather buy China tools at harbor freight for half the price.

 

[jgromada]

I thought buried in the SBD purchase of Craftsman news was that they were intending on doing more of the manufacturing in the US. That would be nice and may certainly change people's attitudes on Craftsman.

I will reserve judgement until i see what products they have. I have had made in USA tools that have been absolute garbage and Chinese made stuff that is terrific. I hate to use that solely as a basis of making a purchase decision.

 

[EOC_Jason]

They are, one of the links posted was a press release with the millions of dollars they are spending on US factories...

I have a suspicion the first Craftsman stuff we will see roll out will be lawn & garden related... Not hand tools / power tools...

I thought buried in the SBD purchase of Craftsman news was that they were intending on doing more of the manufacturing in the US. That would be nice and may certainly change people's attitudes on Craftsman.

I will reserve judgement until i see what products they have. I have had made in USA tools that have been absolute garbage and Chinese made stuff that is terrific. I hate to use that solely as a basis of making a purchase decision.

 

[KnurledNut]

If Lowes doesnt change their exchange policy, it will be an absolute mess.
They cant honor a lifetime warranty, when it is limited by their policy.
"Hassle free" is a joke with anything at Lowes.
Just my .02.

 

[JR7]

I tend to not really care much for Lowes. I have a Menards less than a mile from Lowes and usually go there instead since they usually have more of what I want/need. Home Depot is okay but further out of the way so I don't tend to go there nearly as often. As far as Craftsman goes, I'm rather indifferent about most of their stuff. It won't make me shop at Lowes any more often, but I am interested in at least seeing what happens.

 

[Motorman55]

I'm sorry, but I can't get on the China craftsman bandwagon. I can't justify paying cman prices for harbor freight quality. Not bashing anyone here, but I'd rather buy China tools at harbor freight for half the price.

No not the China stuff...only if Craftsman were to be 'Made in the USA' again.

 

[zendriver]

personally, I think it's too late.

The craftsman addicts will be bitching either about high-priced Chinese made tools, or, way higher priced American made tools, that don't have the quality and feel, as they did in 1967.

Everyone else, will have already moved on.

I hope I am wrong.

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[four.cycle]

How about bringing our broken tools to Lowe’s for free replacement.

In previous "Craftsman/Sears" threads it's been mentioned repeatedly by former Sears employees that Sears didn't have an issue with replacing Craftsman tools under "warranty". When the customer had to go in the store to get the replacement tool, Sears got that customer in the store.
Getting the customer in the store is half the battle, as anybody who's worked in retail for any time can tell you.

Before this thread devolves into yet another "bash Sears" thread, maybe it needs to be mentioned that the average American consumer apparently doesn't care (or doesn't know about) "COO". Competitive pricing and "warranty" are of much greater importance than point of origin.

If SBD does gear up production domestically for some of the Craftsman tool line (as they have said they intend to do), that can only make it have greater market appeal to the masses.

I really doubt that either SBD or Lowes is in this game with the intention of failing.

 

[xin]

No not the China stuff...only if Craftsman were to be 'Made in the USA' again.

Same here we are awash in Made in CHINA everywhere you go. Union price on CHINA made throw away junk.

 

[yjWrangler]

My thoughts?

Who cares? Your Sears will probably be gone, so if you want Craftsman you can go to Lowes. What's the problem? Now you can get foul smelling screwdrivers and lousy short RP wrenches somewhere else

 

[xin]

IF they bring the tool line back the USA (big if). Then they use the marketing and tool replacement (saying if you have broken USA tools - bring them in for the same QUALITY) as you purchased. It would be a EPIC WIN.

 

[Moparman390]

IF they bring the tool line back the USA (big if). Then they use the marketing and tool replacement (saying if you have broken USA tools - bring them in for the same QUALITY) as you purchased. It would be a EPIC WIN.

Everybody's missing this, the big win is when you bring in the broken Chinese made tools you got for less than a dollar a piece in one of those big sets and you receive a new USA made one. (Assuming higher quality)

 

[tdkkart]

I own a fair number of Craftsman tools, at home, at work, have used them since I was old enough to hold them, as my father used them almost exclusively also.

HOWEVER, I will not be buying any Craftsman tools from Lowes due to problems with their business practices.

 

[xin]

Everybody's missing this, the big win is when you bring in the broken Chinese made tools you got for less than a dollar a piece in one of those big sets and you receive a new USA made one. (Assuming higher quality)

I think the price was the same (as long as they bring it back to the USA) will be a win in my book.

 

[Moparman390]

Now we've been around on this merry go round before. SBD is going to try and get Craftsman everywhere they can, the more retail outlets, the more they can sell. They are over a billion dollars into one of the biggest names in tools, they won't be in just Lowes, I think they are going to try and dominate the segment in the US market with it. They sell their other brands in many outlets. Craftsman is still the most respected name in tools with the average American consumer. They have said they are positioning the brand as a preimum DIY/entry pro level brand with a focus on Made in the USA. It should slot in above Kobalt at Lowes, look for both to be carried. They said the Made in the USA part will take some time to ramp up. We'll begin to see what this all looks like later this year. Expect other retailers to be announced in the mean time. I can't imagine Craftsman tools won't be sold on that big river site too. Also, I'm guessing HD is choosing not to carry Craftsman in defense of Husky, Ridgid, and Ryobi.

 

[shanny19]

Also, I'm guessing HD is choosing not to carry Craftsman in defense of Husky, Ridgid, and Ryobi.

Lots of big IFs, but if in fact SBD returns some Cman Hardline production to the US, and Lowe's sells them as a more premium product alongside Asian Kobalt, and HD chooses to stick with only Asian Husky, I can see HD losing market share significantly.

 

[four.cycle]

"Craftsman is still the most respected name in tools with the average American consumer."

^ True.
All the bad-mouthing of "made in China" Craftsman tools here on this forum isn't going to change that one little bit.

No doubt SBD at this very moment is working on strategies to garner greater market share overall, and having the Craftsman brand in their basket of goodies will only make it easier for them to do so.

 

[Moparman390]

Lots of big IFs, but if in fact SBD returns some Cman Hardline production to the US, and Lowe's sells them as a more premium product alongside Asian Kobalt, and HD chooses to stick with only Asian Husky, I can see HD losing market share significantly.

I don't think HD will lose much overall market share here as hand tools are a very small part of their business. If you notice how much of their tool department is Ryobi/Ridgid/Husky I think its in their best interests to protect that. Lowes went the other way with Kobalt in my estimation as it is not as strong of a name. I think this is mostly about the power tools and outdoor power equipment where Ryobi is very strong and they won't let Craftsman anywhere near that. If they really lose business on Husky (doubt it, most consumers don't care about COO on hand tools), they can always look at getting some US manufacturing for that.

 

[VH5150]

My opinion is that Lowe's will gain a competitive advantage over HD in the hand tools market simply because of Craftsman brand recognition - no matter where the tools were made. For the vast majority out there, Craftsman tools work perfectly fine. I think the deal between Lowes and SBD Craftsman will be mutually beneficial.

I think I'm going to start another thread for people to enlighten me on what makes Craftsman tools as a brand (yes- the Chinese tools) so inferior to other tools.3

 

[EOC_Jason]

I think this is mostly about the power tools and outdoor power equipment where Ryobi is very strong and they won't let Craftsman anywhere near that.

It's the same company that makes Ryobi & Craftsman cordless tools... Just the pins for the batteries are different styles. The more units they sell the more money they make, I don't see why they would want to shoot themselves in the foot cutting off part of their sales channels.

I think I'm going to start another thread for people to enlighten me on what makes Craftsman tools as a brand (yes- the Chinese tools) so inferior to other tools.3

It's all about fit & finish and quality of materials... Hold an old -V- series tool next to a modern chinese equivalent and you will see much less refined, more bulk (because cheaper metal), sharp edges, poor tolerances, and won't withstand nearly as much force before bad things happen...

 

[WhiffySpark]

Lots of big IFs, but if in fact SBD returns some Cman Hardline production to the US, and Lowe's sells them as a more premium product alongside Asian Kobalt, and HD chooses to stick with only Asian Husky, I can see HD losing market share significantly.

They won’t lose market sure because of that. No one cares anymore.

I don’t go to HD to buy automotive style tools either way.