Sherwin-Williams' Architectural Paint Franchise Endures, Even Amid Sluggish Demand

Sherwin-Williams is the largest provider of architectural paint in the United States. The company has nearly 5,000 stores and sells premium paint at higher price points than most competitors. It also sells its products in big-box stores and provides coatings for original equipment manufacturers. More than three-fourths of Sherwin's business is in North America, with much of its international exposure acquired during the 2017 purchase of Valspar. That acquisition has bolstered the company's previously modest retail presence, as Valspar’s long-standing relationship with Lowe’s led to an exclusive partnership for Sherwin in 2018. Sherwin also obtained Valspar’s industrial business, expanding its performance coatings segment.