HBSDaily

A widely watched measure of U.S. home prices showed average home prices increased significantly.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices released Tuesday morning shows a 7.3% increase for the 10-City Composite and an 8.1% increase for the 20-City Composite in the 12 months ended in January 2013. 

Phoenix appears to be leading the charge, with a 23.2% year-over-year increase. 

Walmart recognized Central Garden & Pet Co. as the retailer's Outdoor Living Supplier of the Year. In addition, Central won the People Award for Walmart’s Home Division.

Walmart annually recognizes its top suppliers that demonstrate superior customer service. 

Wilmington, Ohio-based TimberTech unveiled an interactive online resource for homeowners and pros in search of deck answers. 

TimberTech is unveiling an interactive Q&A platform called “Straight Talk.” The new tool can be accessed at TimberTech.com/StraightTalk and answers deck questions from pros and consumers, the company said. 

Construction and DIY (CDIY) business performed "admirably" for Stanley Black & Decker during its second quarter. But the real new news, according to President and COO James Loree was "the emergence of solid organic growth in industrial and a growing order book in security."

Stanley posted second quarter revenues of $2.9 billion, an increase of 12%. Net earnings increased to $187.1 million, up 20.1% from the same quarter last year.

Central Garden & Pet anticipated lower quarterly results, and it got them.

The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based marketer and producer of branded products for the lawn and garden and pet supplies markets reported net sales of $494.1 million in the third quarter ended June 29, down 7% from the same quarter last year.

Net income was $13.7 million, down from $22.7 million in the same quarter last year. 

Lakeville, Minn.-based Heat & Glo partnered with HGTV personality and interior designer Lori Dennis on the release of a new REVO fireplace and the "Where Will You Revo" contest. 

Contest entries will compete for the grand prize of a new REVO gas fireplace ($6,000 value) or one of seven $100 American Express gift card weekly prizes.

The new REVO Series from Heat & Glo are available in square, linear, and vertical models, all featuring slim, 7-inch-deep profiles and a patented Razor burner for a “sleek look,” according to the company.

Residential Building Products & Technology, the all-digital magazine covering the latest products, trends and technology for residential construction professionals, is now available as an iPad app.

Natchez, Miss.-based Central Network Retail Group, LLC (CNRG) opened a new Town & Country Hardware store in Benson, N.C., just south of Raleigh.

The company now operates nine stores in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area.

The new store has a 6,200-sq.-ft. sales floor and a 3,200-sq.-ft. garden center. The store features a broad assortment of hardware, lawn and garden, outdoor living, paint, electrical, plumbing and home organization products.