Smart move.
snip~
› Close 20 U.S. stores. Most associates at these stores will be extended opportunities to transition to a similar role at a nearby Lowe's store. The majority of impacted stores are located within 10 miles of another Lowe's store.
› Close 31 Canadian stores and other locations.
more @
https://newsroom.lowes.com/news-releases/lowes-to-close-underperforming-stores-2018/
List of Lowe's store closures
https://newsroom.lowes.com/inside-lowes/lowes-store-closures-2018/
This is a routine business decision. It is management and board's fiscal responsibility make decisions that benefit the corporation. Demographics and market conditions change.
I'd venture to say the initial decision to build multiple stores, was an effort to dissuade Home Despot from entering an area.
Now that they've secured a loyal customer base over that of Despot whom supports the so called "LGQPTetc", leftist movement, they feel confident in closing these multiple outlets. Just my opinion.