Home Centers

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in conjunction with The Home Depot, has launched an online green home products database. The database is a special “microsite” within homedepot.com that features products geared toward green home building, many of which may contribute toward earning LEED points and prerequisites for the LEED for Homes program, making it easier for homeowners and builders to find the products they need, according to the joint press release.

Menards, the third largest chain of home improvement stores in the U.S., will open a 200,000-sq.-ft.-plus store in Owensboro, Ky., this spring, according to an article in the Messenger Inquirer. It will be the Eau Claire, Wis.-based retailer’s first store in the state of Kentucky.

Lowe’s has announced that it will partner with the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) to launch a program to educate and train Lowe’s employees who specialize in interior kitchen and bath projects.

Because of this membership and training program, Lowe’s employees who work in the kitchen cabinets, countertops and fashion plumbing departments and as interior project specialists will have the opportunity to earn NKBA certifications.

The PayPal pilot at Home Depot stores is rapidly expanding, going from 51 test locations in the San Francisco Bay Area this week to all 2,000 Home Depot stores by the end of March, according to Bloomberg News.

PayPal director of communications Anuj Nayar told Bloomberg the digital commerce company will extend the trial to 20 additional retail partners by the end of 2012.

The 3-D printer movement got a boost months ago when Home Depot began offering 3-D printers and scanners for sale through its website.

Now the world’s largest home improvement retailer is bringing the products to shelves in select markets. Home Depot is introducing MakerBot 3-D printers and scanners in select stores in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Indianapolis-based appliance, electronics and furniture retailer hhgregg opened its new store in Kendall, Florida. 

The Kendall store measures 23,000 square feet and employs about 40.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s acquired ATG Stores, an online retailer of home improvement and lifestyle products based in Kirkland, Wash. 

The acquisition, announced Thursday morning, "underscores Lowe’s commitment to providing an endless aisle of products," the company said. The move is part of an effort to boost the retailer's online and multichannel presence.

Ask Marvin Ellison any question about Home Depot’s business, and the answer will probably circle around, gravitate toward or — probably most likely — hammer squarely on the concept of customer service.