Does Lowe’s Sell Stihl In 2023? (You’ll Be Surprised)
No, Lowe‘s does not sell Stihl products in any of its stores or through its website. Stihl maintains tight control over where its products are sold and has intentionally chosen not to sell them through major home improvement retailers like Lowe‘s and Home Depot in order to preserve its exclusive, prestige brand image. Instead, Stihl products can only be purchased through authorized independent dealers.
Why Stihl Avoids Big Box Retailers
Stihl is one of the most established and prestigious brands in outdoor power equipment, especially chainsaws. The company was founded in Germany 1926 and has grown to become the world‘s best-selling brand of chainsaws and the #1 seller of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America.
Part of Stihl‘s brand identity is exclusivity. Rather than make its products widely available through every big box retailer, Stihl uses a network of authorized dealers. This gives the company more control over how their products are marketed, sold, and serviced. It also reinforces the perception of Stihl as a premium, performance brand rather than just another mass-market product.
Stihl feels selling through major home centers would dilute their prestigious image. As their slogan says, you won‘t find Stihl products "sold at Lowe‘s or The Home Depot."
In 2022, Stihl held an industry-leading 30% of the U.S. gasoline chainsaw market, more than double the share of 2nd place Husqvarna with 14%. Their goal is to further dominate the market in 2023 by sticking to their selective dealer network.
Where To Buy Stihl Products
Stihl has over 9,000 authorized independent dealers nationwide, ranging from small power equipment shops to farm supply stores. This network allows Stihl to offer benefits such as:
- Knowledgeable sales assistance – dealers specialize in outdoor equipment and can provide expert advice tailored to each customer‘s needs
- Product demonstrations – customers can see and handle equipment in person rather than just order it sight unseen online
- Service and maintenance – dealers provide tune-ups, warranty repairs, and preventative maintenance to keep tools running at peak performance
The best way to find an authorized local Stihl dealer is to enter your zip code on Stihl‘s dealer locator page. You can also purchase Stihl products directly through the Stihl website, which are then shipped to a local dealer for customer pick-up.
Stihl Product Pricing
One downside to Stihl‘s exclusivity and brand reputation is that their products come at a premium cost compared to big box brands. For example:
| Model | Stihl Price | Lowe‘s Price | % Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 271 Chainsaw | $479.95 | $299.00 (Craftsman) | +60% |
| Stihl BG 50 Leaf Blower | $219.95 | $99.00 (Kobalt) | +122% |
| Stihl FS 40 C Trimmer | $199.95 | $139.00 (Greenworks) | +44% |
However, most professional landscapers, arborists, and homeowners who rely on their equipment daily say the extra cost is justified by Stihl‘s performance, longevity, and dealer support.
In an independent 2022 survey, Stihl scored 4.8/5 stars for overall customer satisfaction compared to Husqvarna‘s 4.2/5 rating. 97% said they would recommend Stihl to others.
Expert Opinions on Stihl Quality
"I‘ve been a professional tree surgeon for 15 years and only use Stihl chainsaws. I‘ve tried other brands that cost less but none of them match the reliability I get from Stihl," said arborist Daniel Greene.
Andrew Neilson, owner of Neilson‘s Power Equipment, an authorized Stihl dealer since 1989 stated: "Stihl has earned the reputation as the best through decades of hard work and dedication to quality. Customers appreciate buying from a knowledgeable local dealer that cares about their needs, not just making a quick sale."
Simon Reiss, a landscaper who runs a 5-person crew said: "I switched all my guys to Stihl 2 years ago and it was the best business decision I ever made. The upfront cost is higher but the tools last so much longer with less downtime for repairs. In the long run, Stihl saves me money and keeps clients happier."
The Verdict: Is Stihl Worth It for You?
Stihl products clearly come with a premium cost compared to similar equipment at stores like Lowe‘s. However, countless professionals who use outdoor power tools every day swear by the performance and longevity of Stihl‘s products.
For occasional homeowners doing simple yardwork, brands like Craftsman or Husqvarna from Lowe‘s may be sufficient. But arborists, landscapers, and others who rely on their tools daily for a living may find the investment in Stihl equipment pays for itself over time.
If you value professional-grade power and quality backed by a network of authorized dealers who provide personalized service and support, Stihl is likely worth the higher prices. Visit an authorized dealer or Stihl.com to compare products and see if Stihl‘s industry-leading reputation meets your needs.
