Home Centers

President Barack Obama called the Lowe's store manager who helped guide customers and employees to the back of his store moments before the front was ripped apart by a tornado. The president thanked manager Michael Hollowell for his actions, according to a press release from the White House.

The Sanford, N.C., store was one of many buildings damaged by dozens of tornadoes that brought destruction to North Carolina on Saturday, when 21 people were killed by the storm. 

If you follow Lowe’s as an investor, a supplier or a competitor, you’re familiar with Larry Stone and his role at the nation’s second largest home center chain. He’s the man who runs the stores, and it’s his North Carolinian accent that — for the past 10 years, at least — has grown almost inseparable from the company’s image.


Menards is hoping to expand an existing mega store in Tinley Park, Ill.  according to an article in the TribLocal, adding 110,000-square feet to its 202,000-square foot building and 148,000-square-foot lumberyard. The grand total – 360,000 square feet – would make the store the largest unit in the Midwestern home improvement chain.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's is making a big shift in its in-store work force, favoring part-timers over middle managers.

The move will cut about 1,700 middle management jobs in the stores, but will lead to an additional 8,000 to 10,000 part-time workers, according to Chris Ahearn, Lowe's VP public relations. The shakeup is expected to take effect Jan. 29.

An article in the New York Times reports that Sears' aggressive "Turf Wars" advertising campaign is part of a trend toward mentioning competitors by name.

Described as a marketing platform including social media and online video clips, The Sears Turf Wars campaign brings Lowe's and Home Depot into the picture.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage, along with business groups and other supporters, are trying to repeal a 2007 law that requires communities to consider the economic impact of "big-box" stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart before issuing building permits. 

In recognition of his business and philanthropic achievements, The Home Depot’s executive VP merchandising, Craig Menear, will receive The Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope’s Hardware/Homebuilding Industry group. Menear will be honored Jan. 11, at a reception, at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., by colleagues and industry members. The day will begin with a golf tournament event that supports City of Hope’s lifesaving research, education and treatment programs for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

MasterForce, the private-label line of power tools made for Menards, has announced a new offering in the circular saw category: a 6-1/2-in. model powered by either an 18-volt lithium ion or NiCad battery. The cordless saw delivers 4,500 rpms, according to its manufacturer, and contains a bevel adjustment that tilts the blade from 0 to 45 degrees.

Most saws are equipped with a general purpose 18-to-24-tooth, carbide-tipped blade, and incorporate an LED work light to help illuminate the work surface.