To view a PDF of this story and check out more data, click here. Independent home improvement retailers are emphasizing their made-in-America product offerings, and customers are demonstrating that the emphasis hits home for them. A large portion of retailers …
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PRO Group Hosts Merchandising Conference
PRO Group member distributors had the opportunity to meet with more than 95 manufacturers at the recent Group Merchandising Conference in Chicago. The conference, which took place June 19-22, began with a meeting for PRO Group members to introduce themselves and a …
Read More »Long-Term Impact of Tariffs on Canadian Lumber Unclear
Tariffs the U.S. government implemented in late April on Canadian softwood lumber haven’t had a jarring impact on lumber prices in the U.S. so far, according to some American lumberyard owners. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross explained in an …
Read More »Quarter 1 Economic Indicators Show Upswing
The first quarter of 2017 continued 2016’s upward swing, key U.S. economic indicators show. The largest spike was in consumer confidence. The March 2017 score was 125.6, the highest level since December 2000, The Conference Board reports. That growth helped …
Read More »Sears Canada Files for Bankruptcy Protection
Sears Canada has filed for bankruptcy protection, according to a company report released Thursday. Over the past 18 months, Sears has taken on restructuring initiatives, including developing technology systems, redefining its brand positioning and updating its product assortment, according to the company. As …
Read More »Ace Hardware Acquires Another Big-Box Executive
Ace Hardware has announced a second big-box home improvement executive hire this week, recruiting Lisa Doyle from Lowe’s to serve as its new head of retail training. Doyle previously was vice president of learning and development at Lowe’s, according to a June 22 statement from …
Read More »Former Home Depot Exec Takes VP Post at Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware Corp. has hired former Home Depot executive John Sommers Jr. to serve as the co-op’s vice president of merchandising. Sommers, who starts with Ace on July 10, is a 23-year veteran of Home Depot and has worked in a variety of positions in …
Read More »Handy Hardware Offers Tennessee Treasures
Handy Hardware has a Tennessee flavor that’s a little bit of MoonPie, museum and typical hardware put together. The Franklin, Tennessee, store is located south of Nashville near a downtown business district that features boutiques, restaurants and high-end chain stores. …
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