Industry News

Walmart has announced plans to raise its starting wage for hourly associates to $11. In many states, that boost in the starting wage will be higher than the legally required minimum wage. The retailer is also offering a one-time bonus …

Westlake Ace Hardware is still in acquisition mode, now making plans to buy the Dennis Company, a five-store home improvement chain in Washington. On Jan. 11, Westlake announced the deal, which is slated to close March 26. The Dennis Company …

Have you ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at the Home Depot? You’re in luck. The company has created new podcast series called “Give Me An H,” which dives deeper in the “unique culture through the eyes and experiences of associates …

Just days after ringing in the new year, retailers hit the floor of the 2018 United Hardware January Buying Market, seeking new products and niche opportunities. United Hardware also used the market, held January 5-7 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, …

James Loree, Stanley Black & Decker CEO, recently spoke with Fortune magazine about what it takes to define the purpose of an iconic 175-year-old American company. Loree, who has worked for Stanley Black & Decker for 20 years, became CEO …

Marvin Ellison, J.C. Penney’s current CEO and a former Home Depot executive, has his eye on Sears’ appliance business. “We’re going after Sears and we’re going after market share that we think is going to be available not only now …

According to e-commerce analytics company One Click Retail, Amazon took 4 percent of all retail sales in the U.S. in 2017, with millennials driving sales in home and kitchen goods, reports CNBC. Sales on the platform also represented 44 percent of …

Spending growth at small businesses has outpaced big-box chains in the past two years and affluent consumers are contributing to the growth, according to Bloomberg. When consumers aren’t shopping online, they are seeking out businesses that provide personal connections and …