On the big box front, Lowe's stores may be positioned to continue grabbing market share away from Home Depot, says Michael Tesler, president of RetailConcepts.com, a retail consulting firm based in Norwell, Mass. "Lowe's has more positive momentum right now," Tesler explains. Moreover, women typically find the chain to be more comfortable than Home Depot, he adds.Despite short-term challenges, some analysts see both home-improvement chains building up gains in the long run. "They will have very good growth prospects as they continue to open new stores and take market share," says Morningstar stock analyst Anthony Chukumba. "We think for the most part they both have great store models and great management teams."The economic environment may leave the fix-it chains hoping for some quick repairs. While both Home Depot and Lowe's both have plenty of tools at their disposal, Big Orange's recent efforts to extend its reach beyond the weekend handyman may give it a better chance of staying warm while the housing market cools.