Home Centers

The independent merchants that operate 164 RONA stores across Canada have added their voice to the opposition of a Lowe’s takeover.

The dealers have written a letter to Lowe’s CEO Robert Niblock, which was made public Wednesday. In it the dealers write:

The Home Depot Foundation joined The Mission Continues and the band 3 Doors Down to launch its "Celebration of Service” campaign for veterans. The campaign includes 200 service projects aimed at improving homes, facilities and community centers where veterans live and receive services.

In Langford, British Columbia, the evolution of the Lowe’s big box continues.

The one-two punch of bad weather and a weak economy took its toll on Boucherville, Quebec-based RONA's second-quarter performance. 

Canada's largest distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products posted second-quarter sales of C$34.2 million, down 2.4%. Same-store sales declined 9.6%. Net income amounted to C$39.5 million, down from C$66.3 million in the second quarter of 2010.

An independent Phoenix retailer was more than a hardware store, more than a home center. 

An off-duty police detective running errands in Lafayette, Ind., helped authorities nab two people suspected of passing counterfeit $10 and $20 bills at Menards, Home Depot, Walmart and other stores, according to an article in the Journal and Courier. 

Atlanta-based The Home Depot recently began rolling out is First for Pro initiative designed to boost service for pro customers.

Among the service differentiators, according to Ted Decker, Home Depot's senior VP, U.S. Retail, are dedicated cashier staffing, unique "power hours," loading assistance and a simplified returns process.

Michigan-based home improvement chain ACO Hardware has expanded its relationship with Vertis and named the company its exclusive provider of newspaper inserts, Inserts2online and logistics.