Home Depot and Lowe’s are using chatbots to mimic in-store help, but that’s still a work in progress.

It’s the first time the home improvement retailer posted gains in two years. This is partly because homeowners are renovating instead of shopping for a new home.

The home improvement retailer’s third-quarter sales came in higher than expected, but the company is seeing caution among consumers.

The company says customers are deferring big renovation projects because of high interest rates and economic worries.

Lowe’s reported that first quarter sales are down from the same period last year, but spending by professionals is up.

The home improvement company is buying SRS Distribution, a roofing, landscaping and pool construction supplier, for $18 billion.

When people buy new homes, they buy a lot of other things too, like furniture, appliances and electronics. When home buying slows, that can have a real ripple effect on other industries.

Retail sales were up 3% in January from the month before, but some categories — like building supplies — were mostly flat.

Walmart customers are thinking about rising prices. Home Depot customers are thinking about rising interest rates.

Among the beneficiaries: Lowe’s and Home Depot.