DISTRIBUTORS/CO-OPS

Mydoitbest.com, the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based co-op's member-exclusive communication portal, is receiving a facelift and a makeover.

According to the co-op, the new enhancements include a cleaner look, a smoother interface, streamlined navigation and enhanced search capabilities.    

The site is currently undergoing testing and fine-tuning, guided by member feedback. It is expected to go live in the next one or two weeks, the co-op said.

The Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op launched hardwarestoresforsale.com as a listing service for retailers, regardless of affiliation.

As paint-aisle competition heats up across the home improvement industry, Chicago-based True Value Company says its new True Value Beauty by Design color center is brushing up stores with enhanced technology and merchandising.

Four South Dakota hardware stores have joined Ace Hardware, the Oak Brook, Ill.-based co-op announced recently.

The stores, owned by John Niederauer, are located in the South Dakota cities of Dell Rapids, Miller, Redfield and Tea. All four stores underwent the transformation in mid-August.

 

In Canon City, Colo., Fontana True Value is carrying a new stamp of approval: “True Value Best Hardware Store in Town.”

Jim Fontana and Susan Palladino accepted the designation during a True Value Co. ceremony in Atlanta, during which 13 stores were honored.

In Canon City, Fontana True Value is known for empowering employees to make decisions, including returns and price matching. 

“Every day I get customer feedback about how friendly and helpful the employees are,” said Fontana. 

Orlando, Fla. -- During its Spring Dealer Market hear, Orgill expanded its show floor to more than 750,000 sq. ft., including multiple model stores and a showcase area that introduced a new vivid Solutions paint area and a “Backyard Oasis” featuring outdoor living ideas.

Organizers said thousands of retailers from the United States, Canada and all over the world took part in the market, which drew to a close March 1.

Package delivery network Kinek, which operates locations inside about 1,000 grocers, hardware stores, pharmacies and other spots, announced Do it Best has signed up to participate.

Kinek provides convenience to the customer, who can arrange to pick up all kinds of package deliveries at one of its delivery centers, called KinekPoints.

For many businesses, the natural inclination in a down economy is to cut back on...