Original News

J.C. Penney announced Monday that its executive vice president and chief financial officer, Edward Record, would vacate his position effective July 11 “to pursue other interests,” according to the company. Record joined the apparel and home goods retailer in March …

Fred Whyte, power tool icon and former president of STIHL Inc., died on July 7 surrounded by family and friends at his Virginia Beach, Virginia, home. The “Man of STIHL” was 70 years old. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Whyte began …

The House-Hasson Hardware Summer Dealer Market in June drew new vendors and younger retailers. Vendor participation at the regional distributor’s buying show, which took place June 15-17 in Sevierville, Tennessee, was up about 15 percent year over year, House-Hasson officials say. An …

The international garden fair spoga+gafa is slated to feature more than 2,000 exhibitors from 59 countries this year. The annual event, which is scheduled for Sept. 3-5, will again be located in Cologne, Germany, and will serve as a showcase for outdoor living and …

The Home Depot has announced an agreement to purchase Compact Power Equipment Inc., a national provider of equipment rental and maintenance services, for $265 million in cash. The transaction, which Home Depot confirmed July 6, is expected to close by the …

Ace Retail Holdings, the division of Ace Hardware that owns and operates the Westlake Ace Hardware chain, has expanded to 100 stores. Westlake Ace Hardware in June finalized its acquisition of two Q.P. Ace Hardware stores in the Omaha, Nebraska, area. Westlake …

Valley Supply Hardware’s building in Rising Sun, Indiana, is a cavern of charred and melted power tools, fixtures, furniture, computers and all of the other supplies needed to operate a local hardware store. Two men were convicted on burglary and arson charges …

Ace Hardware Corp. has launched a new financing program for Ace Hardware store owners in an effort to help fuel new store growth efforts. The financing program gives qualified Ace store owners access to up to $200,000 in a dollar-for-dollar equity match …