EXHIBIT 23 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT Lowe's Companies, Inc. We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No. 33-2618 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-54497 on Form S-8, Registration Statement No. 33-54499 on Form S-8, and Registration Statement No. 333-34631 on Form S-8, of our report dated February 19, 1998 appearing in or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Lowe's Companies, Inc. for the year ended January 30, 1998. /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Charlotte, North Carolina April 24, 1998