Agentic AI in Action: Lowe’s SVP, Chandhu Nair, on Building the Next-Gen Home Improvement Experience

Co-hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis return from ShopTalk brimming with insights on the rapidly shifting retail environment. They kick off by breaking down the rollercoaster of consumer confidence, spurred by persistent inflation and ongoing uncertainty. The conversation touches on potential reverberations from looming tariffs that could drive up costs and shake consumer sentiment. Headlines from major brands paint a mixed picture: Lululemon’s cautious optimism contrasts with H&M’s ongoing struggle to redefine its place in fast fashion, while Dollar Tree’s dramatic divestment of Family Dollar underscores the perils of poorly integrated acquisitions. Meanwhile, Chewy’s robust earnings provide a bright spot.

Also fueling industry chatter is the arrival of French department store Printemps in Lower Manhattan, sparking excitement among those who see it as a bold venture amid broader department store decline. The conversation pivots to Canada’s retail landscape, where Hudson’s Bay’s long-anticipated liquidation underscores the challenges legacy retailers face in a hyper-competitive era.

The second half of the show features a conversation with Lowe’s SVP Product and Technology, Data and AI, Chandhu Nair, who outlines the home improvement retailer’s sweeping digital transformation. Aware that their category historically lagged in technology adoption, Lowe’s has accelerated its efforts, focusing on delivering customer-centric solutions while modernizing decades-old infrastructure. With the newly launched MyLow application, shoppers can receive instant project advice, seamless product recommendations, and integrated how-to guidance. For professionals, speed, in-stock reliability, and tailored credit remain top priorities.

Nair emphasizes that data and AI make up only 30% of the equation, with the remaining 70% tied to organizational change and process reengineering. The discussion highlights Lowe’s approach to fostering innovation: start small, iterate quickly, and focus on core customer needs rather than novelty for novelty’s sake. In addition, immersive experiences such as the Lowe’s Style Studio for Apple Vision Pro build on years of research and strategic experimentation. By proactively partnering with leading tech companies and harnessing new capabilities like generative AI, Lowe’s aims to stand out in a competitive retail market. Ultimately, Nair’s insights underscore a cultural shift where failing responsibly is integral to success, and where the ability to adapt quickly defines a retailer’s future.

About Chandhu

As senior vice president, data, artificial intelligence and innovation, Chandhu Nair leads Lowe’s AI transformation office, data and analytics, and AI products and platforms teams. He also leads Lowe’s Innovation Labs, focusing on emerging technologies and technology investments, and is responsible for the technology enabling marketing, Lowe’s Media Network, personalization and loyalty experiences. He joined Lowe’s in 2020.

Chandhu has more than 20 years of experience in technology transformations. In a prior role at Lowe’s, he was vice president, technology, omnichannel marketing and digital customer engagement, and spearheaded best-in-class technology product launches including Lowe’s Pro loyalty program and media network. Before joining the company, he served as CEO and co-founder of Cognitive Retail Inc., a computer vision AI technology company providing U.S.-based retailers with advanced data analytics. He was also a managing partner and co-founder at Merkatus Partners, a strategy consulting firm focused on emerging technology investment services. Before that, he held global e-commerce and technology leadership roles at Staples Inc and Infosys.

Chandhu earned a master’s degree in general management and operations from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering – information technology from Bharathiar University, India. He serves on the Board of Industry Leaders at the Consumer Technology Association, as well as the advisory board for United Planet, a non-profit organization connecting volunteers in the areas of education, health and environmental sustainability with opportunities in more than 30 countries.

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2026 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.