Gear Hugger Gains Distribution in Lowe’s Following Its Win in the Retailer’s Into the Blue Pitch Slam
Gear Hugger an eco-friendly brand created to maintain your gear and protect the planet, will launch in Lowe’s this August for a limited-time. Gear Hugger’s game-changing product, the Multi-Purpose Lubricant, is formulated with plant-based, non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients, with a goal of bringing a sustainable alternative to the market.
Gear Hugger’s debut comes after the brand won Lowe’s inaugural Into the Blue pitch slam in 2022, and it now becomes the one of the first brands to enter the hardware giant following the event. The in-person event invited entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes to pitch their products to Lowe’s merchants for an opportunity to sell their products in the company’s stores and online. Approximately 1,400 small businesses applied to participate, with 270 suppliers selected to pitch their products to Lowe's merchandising team. Gear Hugger’s innovation will be available at 825 Lowe’s stores across the country and online.
The Multi-Purpose Lubricant helps us all to sustainably restore, reuse and reduce through its plant-powered lubricant power. An estimated 100,000 barrels of petroleum per day are used to create lubricants used on gear, out in nature, and around the house (according to the US Energy Information Administration). Gear Hugger addresses this issue by producing a lubricant that is Certified Bio-Based, powered by plants, and has 3x the lubricating power than petroleum-based alternatives. The formula is also a 96% USDA Certified Biobased Product so it’s safe to use around children and animals and has been submitted to the EPA for Safter Choice Certification. With more than 1,001 uses including outdoor and sporting gear, bicycles, home repairs, small electronics, parts, and mechanics, Gear Hugger’s Multipurpose Lubricant provides an earth friendly alternative to traditional, toxic lubricants.
“For any small business, launching in Lowe’s is a dream come true,” said Checo Diaz, founder of Gear Hugger. “As the first Into the Blue winner to enter the store, we’re excited to share our products and mission to create a healthier and cleaner planet with eco-friendly garage, home, and outdoor product options, with Lowe’s consumers.”
Earlier this year, the Multi-Purpose Lubricant won a Retailer’s Choice Award at the National Hardware Show, joining only 31 wining products selected from the thousands of brands showcased on the NHS floor. Gear Hugger’s Multi-Purpose Lubricant was also named “Overall Home Product of the Year” by the Mindful Awards. In 2022, Gear Hugger took first place in the Natural Products Expo East Pitch slam against 10 emerging brands of the Naturally Affiliate regions. Earlier that year, Gear Hugger won the 2nd Annual Naturally San Diego Pitch Slam and was named finalist in the Natural Living Products category for its Multi-Purpose Lubricant in the Natural Products Expo West 2022 NEXTY Awards.
