The news: Walmart is expanding its array of exclusive and private labels across the hardware and home goods categories.

• The retailer’s refreshed hardware department will include Greenworks Pro power tools—available only at Walmart—alongside a broader lineup of Greenworks and Hyper Tough products.
• Walmart also announced the launch of Mainstay Kids, its first new home brand launch in five years, which will feature over 600 items across 12 categories.

Why it matters: The expansion is notable given that home-related categories remain challenged by the current state of the housing market. However, Walmart’s value positioning and growing strength in general merchandise could enable it to gain share in the hardware and home goods categories as consumers prioritize price and convenience.

Still, Walmart faces a meaningful hurdle: Private label adoption remains relatively low in home and hardware categories, so the retailer will need to convince shoppers that its store brands can match the quality and reliability of more established names. Fewer than 1 in 5 US adults commonly purchase private label home goods or furniture, while just 16% commonly buy home improvement or hardware private labels, per an April 2025 survey by First Insight.

Implications for retailers: Walmart’s expansion into hardware and home goods highlights its broader push to become a one-stop destination for both everyday essentials and discretionary purchases. That strategy could resonate as consumers look to consolidate shopping trips and prioritize value amid ongoing economic pressure and a sluggish housing market. By pairing low prices with exclusive and private-label offerings, Walmart could capture spending that might otherwise go to specialty retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Wayfair.