Home Centers

The Home Depot's Craig Menear, executive VP merchandising, said the company's strong 4.3% comp-store sales performance in the second quarter was boosted by outdoor projects, storm-related repairs and steady strength in core departments.

Performance was aided by Home Depot's improved supply chain and merchandising tools, he said.

Ultratouch Denim Insulation, a product made from blue jeans and other recycled material, will now be available in 165 Lowe’s stores in the western U.S., according to its manufacturer. The rollout begins Aug. 6.

The Fifth District Court of Appeals upheld its December 2010 decision in favor of Menards, ruling that a lawsuit brought against the company by Anne Ramsay be dismissed without being brought before a jury. 

Home Depot has partnered with Southwest Windpower, a manufacturer of residential wind generators, to offer the Skystream 3.7 wind turbine at select Home Depot stores. 

The installed program will be offered in Home Depot stores in Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and California. The company said it plans to expand the program to windy locations across the United States.

 

As The Home Depot holds its annual shareholders meeting today, it announced its 97th consecutive cash dividend.

The company announced that its board of directors declared a first-quarter cash dividend of 25 cents per share. The dividend is payable on June 30 to shareholders of record on the close of business on June 16. The dividend -- the same amount it paid last quarter -- marks the 97th consecutive quarter Home Depot has paid a cash dividend.

The company's shareholders meeting takes place today at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta.

Commentary: Change is coming faster than expected to the grocery chain with a price-perception problem.

A federal grand jury has indicted Ronald Kiser, a former credit specialist for G.E. Consumer Finance, with bank fraud for diverting $465,000 worth of checks into his mother’s bank account. Kiser, 40, handled the Lowe’s account for G.E. 

The flooring retailer narrowed its loss substantially during the fourth quarter, as well as posted sales gains.