Canadian home-improvement retailer Rona Inc. reported a drop in same-store sales for the second quarter due to “relatively difficult market conditions” and several store closures, according to the company. The retailer’s same-store sales were down 1.0 percent, due to a …

Ace Hardware reported total revenues of $1.2 billion for the second quarter, up 9.7 percent from the same period last year, which the co-op attributes to sales increases “in virtually every department” at both the wholesale and retail levels. Same-store …

Stock Building Supply closed its previously announced underwritten initial public offering of 7 million shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $14 per share. The company sold 4,411,765 shares and certain selling stockholders sold 2,588,235 …

July retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) increased 0.3 percent seasonally adjusted from June, but declined in home-based categories, including building materials and furniture stores, according to the National Retail Federation. July retail sales, released today by the …

Westlake Ace Hardware has plans to open its 86th location in West Plains, Mo. It will be the chain’s second store incorporating a new store design and layout. The store will feature construction materials and a design approach intended to …

The National Small Business Association’s (NSBA) recently released 2013 Mid-Year Economic Report shows small business owners have improved their overall economic outlook, with 40 percent saying today’s economy is better off compared with five years ago—the highest it’s been in five years. …

Lowe’s today announced further progress in its plans to acquire the majority of assets of Orchard Supply Hardware, including 72 stores, for approximately $205 million in cash, plus the assumption of payables owed to nearly all of Orchard’s supplier partners, subject …

In-store services like screen and glass repair, as well as blade sharpening and small engine repair, are likely already going strong this summer. Here are some ideas to keep customers coming in for services and repairs: Send your small engine …