The leading home improvement chain has surprised everyone with an announcement that nobody expected. In a complicated economic context, where other companies are forced to make difficult decisions, The Home Depot has decided to go a different route. The result has caused both admiration and disbelief in the retail sector.
During an earnings conference, the company communicated that it has no intention of raising prices despite the impact of tariffs. William Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising, assured that they will keep their current policy without passing the cost onto consumers. The decision contrasts with what giants like Walmart, Target, or Best Buy are doing, who have already warned about increases in consumer prices.
A Firm Strategy Amid Trade Uncertainty
While other chains in the country are preparing to raise prices due to new tariffs, The Home Depot stands out with a very different approach. "We don't see widespread price increases for our customers at all," Bastek declared during the call with investors. The company has worked for years with its suppliers to diversify its supply chains.
That strategy has paid off, according to Bastek himself, in the next 12 months no country outside the United States will represent more than 10% of their purchases, reports Fox Business. This gives them flexibility to adapt to changes and absorb the impact of tariffs without affecting the consumer. A stance that completely diverges from the concern shown by other competitors in the sector.
Walmart, for example, recently warned that, although they will try to keep prices low, they won't be able to absorb all the costs. Even after meeting with former President Trump, the company admitted that part of the increase will be passed on to the customer. Target and Best Buy have also warned that the new tariffs affect their margins and could force price increases.
Unstoppable Expansion and Store Improvements
In addition to this pricing policy, The Home Depot continues to expand across the country, in 2025 it will open 11 new stores in six different states. Already in April, cities like Anna (Texas), Prasada South (Arizona), and St Augustine (Florida) have received new openings. In the coming weeks, locations like Moscow (Idaho), Manor (Texas), and Bulova (New York) will be added.
The stores not only increase the brand's presence but are designed to significantly improve the shopping experience. Payment and pickup areas have been modernized, the gardening section expanded, and new professional tool rental centers created. Pickup areas for online orders and more accessible displays have also been incorporated.
This expansion not only strengthens the company's position against competitors like Lowe's but also boosts local economies. Each new store represents new jobs and improved services for customers. The Home Depot reinforces its leadership in the sector and shows that, even in difficult times, it is possible to bet on growth.