PaulB Hardware, which is based in Lititz, Pennsylvania, and also has locations in Belleville and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has been process-oriented since its inception in 1947. To ensure future success of the processes and the operation, two managers from PaulB Hardware—merchandising …

By Gary Pittsford, CFP In May, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) focused on how to build a bench of well-trained employees inside your company to help you grow the business and manage it effectively. Building a bench …

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has announced a $200 million investment to implement the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy. The strategy is in support of President Donald Trump’s executive order: Immediate Expansion of …

Great Lakes Ace announced it has signed an agreement to open a new, 13,000-square-foot store in Cincinnati, Ohio. The store’s soft opening is planned for the first quarter of 2026. “Great Lakes Ace is excited to open a new location …

Ace Hardware Corporation announced changes to the company’s board of directors following its 2025 annual stockholders meeting. Director David Majure was elected to his first term on Ace’s board of directors, and Kristen Pellicer and Steven Burggraf were re-elected to the …

Consumer confidence surged in May, with The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, rising 12.3 points to 98.0, more than a 10-point increase from April. “Consumer confidence improved in May after five consecutive months of decline,” says Stephanie Guichard, senior economist, …

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services for April 2025 reported $41.3 million in retail sales for building material and garden suppliers, up 0.8% month over month and up 3.2% year over year. That compared with …

Target Corporation released its financial results for Q1 2025, reporting net sales in Q1 of $28.8 billion, down 2.8% from Q1 of 2024 due to a decrease in merchandise sales.  Comparable store sales decreased 3.8% in the first quarter, reflecting …