Lowe’s is taking its creator strategy beyond sponsored posts and curated storefronts. On June 23, 2026, the home improvement retailer announced Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, a new program that invites creators to pitch product ideas and, if selected, work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially bring those products to retail shelves.

The announcement arrives as the Lowe’s Creator Network hits its one-year milestone—an initiative Lowe’s launched in 2025 and billed as the first creator network in the home improvement industry. Now, Lowe’s says it’s expanding the pathway for creators: from making content about products to creating products themselves.

From content to creation: what “Creator: Into the Blue” is

Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue is designed as a forum for creators—both current members of the Lowe’s Creator Network and newcomers—to submit innovative product concepts for consideration. Selected creators could receive support from Lowe’s internal teams across product development, product design, sourcing, and merchandising, with the goal of turning audience-inspired ideas into real-world items that can scale.

In other words: creators aren’t just being asked to promote what already exists. They’re being invited to help shape what comes next.

How this fits into Lowe’s bigger strategy

Lowe’s positioned the new program as a natural next step that builds on two existing pillars:

• Lowe’s Creator Network (launched 2025): A program connecting creators with Lowe’s to share DIY projects, home improvement inspiration, and product recommendations. It also includes personalized Lowes.com storefronts so creators can curate product selections for their audiences.
• Lowe’s Into the Blue (launched 2022): A separate initiative focused on helping entrepreneurs bring innovative products to Lowe’s customers.

Now, Lowe’s is essentially merging the momentum of both worlds—creator-led influence and entrepreneur-led product innovation—into a single on-ramp for creators who want to build businesses through product development.

MrBeast is the proof-of-concept

Lowe’s also pointed to its recent collaboration with global creator MrBeast as an example of how creator partnerships can evolve beyond content and curation. The collaboration included a collectible toy kitdeveloped with Lowe’s—showing how a creator’s audience and brand can translate into physical products that connect with customers in new ways.

That collaboration is now being used as a signal: if a creator with a massive following can co-create a product with Lowe’s, the company wants to open similar opportunities to creators of all sizes.

What creators can submit

According to Lowe’s, creators can submit a range of ideas, including:

• Existing products seeking distribution, scale, and retail exposure
• Product ideas that need development and sourcing support
• Collaborations tied to an existing Lowe’s product line

The message is clear: you don’t have to show up with a fully manufactured item. You can show up with a concept—especially one shaped by what your audience keeps asking for.

Application window and where to apply

Applications are open now through Sept. 1, 2026 at Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes. Lowe’s will review submissions after the application period and announce selected creators at a later date.

Creators interested in applying should also review the full terms and conditions on the application page.

Why this matters for the creator economy—and retail

Creator-led product lines aren’t new, but Lowe’s move is notable because it’s coming from a major home improvement retailer with deep sourcing and distribution infrastructure. If executed well, Creator: Into the Blue could become a meaningful bridge between:

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• Audience-driven product demand (what communities want)
• Retail-grade execution (design, sourcing, merchandising)
• Shelf-level distribution (scale and visibility)

For creators, it’s another sign that the creator economy is maturing: the next phase isn’t only about views and engagement—it’s about IP, product development, and scalable revenue.

The bottom line

With Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, the company is betting that creators can do more than inspire projects—they can help design the tools, kits, and products people use to complete them. And for creators looking to turn their audience into a business, Lowe’s is offering a new route: pitch an idea, build it with support, and potentially launch it at retail scale.

For more details and application terms, visit Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes.

Related Links

• Apply / program page: https://www.lowes.com/createwithlowes
• Lowe’s main site (company + newsroom gateway): https://www.lowes.com/
• Lowe’s corporate site (investor/corporate info): https://www.lowes.com/corporate

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Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Summer Deals, Savings and Prizes

(Feature Impact) America’s 250th birthday calls for celebration, and this summer, it goes well beyond backyard barbecues and poolside parties.

Watch this video to learn more

To help mark the milestone, Circle K is rolling out refreshing deals, new merch and exciting prizes as America’s Party Stop – the one-stop destination for summer value and fun. The free Inner Circle rewards program is your ticket to the party – join by downloading the Circle K app and creating an account.

Rewards members can enjoy any size Polar Pop for just 25 cents on July 1 at participating locations. Fans can also grab limited-edition merchandise like hats and shirts to show off their love for the iconic drink. From July 1-Sept. 1, anyone can play the new Scratch & Win game daily in the app for instant prizes with members unlocking exclusive eligibility for weekly cash prizes.

The fun extends beyond the store, too. Throughout July, you can support the American Red Cross by rounding up in-store purchases to help disaster relief efforts and first responders across the U.S.

Download the app, join the free rewards program and find more ways to celebrate America’s birthday by visiting CircleK.com/America-250.

SOURCE:

Circle K

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5 Summer Safety Risks Homeowners Often Overlook When Hosting

(Feature Impact) Summer is the perfect season for gathering outdoors with friends and family, but if you’re a homeowner planning to host barbecues, pool parties or holiday celebrations this year, it’s important to consider the potential safety and liability risks that may be affecting your own backyard. A little advance planning can help you ensure that your guests enjoy safe, healthy experiences at your home and leave with only happy memories.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of injuries each year are linked to fireworks, grills and swimming pools. While most summer gatherings end without incident, Mercury Insurance is encouraging homeowners to remember that smart preparation can help you avoid unfortunate accidents and costly damage.

“A few simple safety checks can help homeowners create a safer environment for everyone while protecting the property they’ve worked hard to build,” said Larry Anderson, underwriting operations director at Mercury Insurance.

Set your summer up for success by paying special attention to these five often-overlooked seasonal safety risks.

Guest Injuries and Liability Risks

Since summer gatherings naturally increase foot traffic around a property, it should be safe to walk around. Uneven walkways, loose decking, poor lighting and pet-related incidents can all lead to injuries that homeowners may not anticipate.

Before hosting events, audit your property to repair trip hazards and ensure walkways and outdoor gathering areas are well-lit. If you have pets that may become stressed around large groups, secure them before guests arrive. Since unforeseen events can still occur despite your best efforts, review your liability coverage to understand available protections.

Unsupervised Pool Areas

Swimming pools can provide endless summer fun, but they also present one of the most serious safety risks around the home. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for young children, making active supervision essential whenever children are near water.

If your backyard includes a pool, ensure that gates and barriers are functioning properly, keep rescue equipment nearby and consider pool alarms and self-closing gates for additional protection. Most importantly, never leave children unattended around water.

Backyard Grill Fires

Grilling is a summer tradition, but outdoor cooking equipment can quickly become a fire hazard if used improperly. Placing your grill too close to flammable objects, letting grease build up and leaving the grill unattended can all increase the risk of property damage.

Start by making sure your grill is set up at least 10 feet away from homes, fences and overhangs before you fire it up. Clean grease trays regularly, never leave a grill unattended while cooking and keep a fire extinguisher accessible during outdoor cooking.

Fireworks Too Close to Homes and Landscaping

Fireworks-related fires increase significantly during summer, particularly in dry climates where even one stray spark can ignite vegetation or nearby structures.

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The safest option, when possible, is to attend professional displays rather than hosting your own. However, if you’re planning on lighting up your skies this summer, follow all local laws and restrictions regarding fireworks and keep your launch site well away from homes, vehicles and dry landscaping. Have a water source readily available when using legal consumer fireworks.

Outdoor Electrical Hazards

Extension cords, decorative lighting, outdoor speakers and fans often receive extra use during summer gatherings. Damaged cords or overloaded outlets can create shock and fire hazards. As you set up your summer entertainment systems, check your equipment to be sure it’s rated for outdoor use. Keep electrical connections away from pools and water features, avoid overloading electrical outlets and take a few extra minutes before each gathering to inspect outdoor cords for wear and damage.

“Most homeowners focus on making their gatherings enjoyable, but safety should be part of the preparation process,” Anderson said. “Taking a few minutes to identify potential hazards before guests arrive can help prevent accidents and allow everyone to focus on enjoying the season.”

For more home safety resources and insurance information, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:
Mercury Insurance

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