Exhibit 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT Lowe's Companies, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement No. 33- 64560 on Form S-3, Registration Statement No. 33-51865 on Form S-3, Post- Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-2618 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-29772 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-54497 on Form S-8, and Registration Statement No. 33-54499 on Form S-8, of our report dated February 20, 1996 (March 4, 1996 as to the fourth paragraph of Note 14) appearing in or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lowe's Companies, Inc. for the year ended January 31, 1996. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Charlotte, North Carolina April 26, 1996