Home Depot had traditionally focused on large metropolitan areas. While Lowe's had concentrated on rural areas. To maintain its growth trajectory. Lowe's had begun systematic expansion into metropolitan markets. The investment community was becoming increasingly concerned about the eventuality of increased price competition. Aram Rubinson. Of Bank of America Securities. Had repoy in August. "Since Lowe's comp [ comparable store sales ] have been outpacing Home Depot's we have been growing increasingly concerned that Home Depot would fight back with increased promotions and more aggressive everyday pricing.