It accelerated downhill after the current CEO/President/Chairman took office on 25 January 2002.
A new COO took office on 5 February, an activist investment group (DE Shaw) took a $1 Billion position in Lowe's and has place 3 of their own choices on the Board.
Already a couple of things have changed for the better, a couple of things have new lipstick, but are not as good...most is status quo.
New guy is likely in line for the Big Chair in the Corner Office, but after 15 1/2 years with them, seem like I've worked for 4 different companies with the same name.
Spiffs, commissions and Special Order discount went away several years ago, along with the Holiday Bonus.