As Memorial Day ushered in the unofficial start of summer, home improvement retailers surged to the top of the national radio advertising rankings, marking a strategic shift in seasonal marketing ahead of peak travel and renovation season, according to Media Monitors’ Spot Ten Radio rankings for the week of May 19–25.
The Home Depot claimed the No. 1 position across U.S. radio stations, capitalizing on consumer attention ahead of a long weekend traditionally associated with DIY projects and outdoor upgrades. Lowe’s, its chief competitor, followed closely behind in third place, reinforcing the sector’s aggressive approach to early summer advertising.
The surge ended a relatively quiet lead-in to the holiday stretch, as retailers leaned into radio’s reach to connect with homeowners preparing for everything from yard cleanups to home repairs. Progressive remained a steady presence in the market, slipping one spot to second place but maintaining a substantial volume of spots aired nationwide.
Wireless provider Verizon fell two places to fourth but remained in the top five. The company has consistently maintained a large radio footprint, and its presence during the week reflects continued promotion of mobile plans and travel-ready data packages as Americans begin mapping out summer getaways.
One of the week’s more notable climbers was Mattress Firm, which jumped five positions to land at No. 5. The retailer, which has long aligned major promotional efforts with holiday weekends, appears to be banking on short-term, high-frequency radio campaigns to drive in-store and online traffic.
Government advertising also saw an uptick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration moved up three spots to ninth place, deploying targeted safety messaging ahead of what is historically one of the busiest driving weekends of the year. The campaign underscores radio’s continued role in reaching mobile audiences with time-sensitive public service announcements.
With inflationary pressures and shifting consumer priorities in the background, the next few weeks may prove pivotal for advertisers weighing the value of AM/FM exposure against digital alternatives. For now, the data shows a clear bet from national brands: that radio remains a potent channel for reaching Americans on the move.
