Pasadena, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/19/2011 -- Home Improvement chains continue with layoffs and cost-cutting measures. Lowe's Cos. home improvement retailer plans to close 20 underperforming stores in 15 states. Nearly 2,000 jobs will be slashed as part of the downsizing. This is Lowe's effort to boost profits.

The chain has roughly 1,700 stores in the U.S. and has already locked down 10 stores on Sunday. The additional 10 stores will be shut within the next month. The Lowe stores in Westminster, Aurora and Oswego closed silently on Sunday. These also included three stores in New Hampshire and two each in California, Illinois and Maine.

Home Depot, the biggest competitor to Lowe also has plans to close its Baton Rouge call center. This will leave nearly 400 unemployed in the next few months. In spite of creating millions of job, Home Depot is planning to cut off jobs after the company scrutinized its customer service operations all across the nation and its plans for future growth.

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