Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a home improvement retailer. As of January 30, 2009, the Company operated 1,638 stores across 50 states and 11 stores in Canada. Its 1,649 stores represent approximately 187 million square feet of retail selling space. The Company serves homeowners, renters and commercial business customers. Homeowners and renters primarily consist of do-it-yourself (DIY) customers and do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers who utilize the Company’s installed sales programs, as well as others buying for personal and family use. Commercial business customers include those who work in the construction, repair/remodel, commercial and residential property management, and business maintenance professions. The Company offers a line of products and services for home decorating, maintenance, repair, remodeling and property maintenance.