My bags are packed and I’m ready to begin a journey Mark Twain embarked upon many years ago. I’ll be traveling along the Mississippi River from Minneapolis all the way to New Orleans. Although my steamboat is a rental car, …
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Amazon Invests in Smart Home Companies, Buys Ring for $1B
In an attempt to dig deeper into the growing smart home market, Amazon has been digging into its pockets to invest in and acquire several companies. This week, home device manufacturer Ecobee received $62 million through series C funding from …
Read More »International Hardware Fair Unites Global Industry
The 2018 EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair welcomed retailers, manufacturers and experts from around the world to Cologne, Germany, to see what’s next for the home improvement industry. Spanning four days, the International Hardware Fair attracted more than 47,000 attendees to …
Read More »Sherwin-Williams’ Partnership With Lowe’s Gets Exclusive
Sherwin-Williams and Lowe’s have announced a new and exclusive collaboration. Lowe’s is becoming “the only nationwide home center to offer top-selling stain brands” from Sherwin-Williams, including Minwax, Cabot and Thompson’s WaterSeal, according to Lowe’s. The big-box chain is also going to be …
Read More »An Inside Look at the NRHA All-Industry Conference
If you’re pining to relive the NRHA All-Industry Conference before this year’s event or even if you’ve never attended and want to learn more, we have just the solution. Get an inside look at all the benefits and excitement of …
Read More »PRO Group and VAL-TEST Group Announce Alliance
A new alliance in the independent hardware and home improvement industry was announced today. PRO Group and VAL-TEST Group are joining forces. The partnership is “designed to leverage both groups’ strengths to deliver superior value to member wholesale distributors, suppliers …
Read More »Lowe’s Financial Results Reveal $68B in 2017 Sales
Lowe’s financial results, announced Feb. 28, indicate a mixed bag for the company. The home improvement retailer gave information on its fourth-quarter 2017 earnings and for the entire fiscal year. Lowe’s recorded $15.5 billion in sales in the fourth quarter …
Read More »Industry Veteran, Past NRHA President Dies at Age 91
Jerome “Jerry” Lochner, former owner of multiple Ace Hardware stores and other businesses in Wisconsin, died this month at age 91. Lochner worked in the home improvement industry for decades and owned Ace Hardware in Sauk City, Wisconsin, for more …
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