Home Centers

Citing improved performance, Standard & Poor's announced Tuesday that it is raising its corporate credit rating for Home Depot from "A-" to "A".

Additionally, the credit ratings agency upped its short-term ratings from "A-2" to "A-1". These increasingly investment-grade ratings point to confidence in the company's ability to meet its financial commitments, with a stable outlook on the ratings.

Appliance maker Whirlpool Corporation’s board of directors has appointed James Loree, president and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., to its board of directors.

The move is effective immediately, according to Whirlpool who said that Loree will serve on the board’s audit committee and the corporate governance and nominating committee.

Insurance giant State Farm is promoting Iris from Lowe’s with a $75 off coupon to customers who buy the Iris Safe & Secure Kit.

The kit, which regularly sells for $179 before the discount, helps homeowners control lights, thermostats, door locks via smartphone and tablet. It also

Installing such a system, according to State Farm, might also make homeowners eligible for insurance discounts.

This latest promotion is part of a long running partnership between State Farm and Lowe’s. “

Home decor retailer At Home has donated $150,440 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which will go toward blood cancer research and increasing access to treatments.

The donation marks what the retailer called a "successful inaugural year" of its partnership with LLS, during which At Home stores collected donations at check-out registers.

At Home also sponsored the LLS' Light The Night Walks in several cities. The walks are meant to honor blood cancer survivors and victims, as well as bring attention to the need for research and better treatments.

Someone forgot to tell At Home that big-box stores are passé.

Since Lee Bird took the reins as chief executive at the beginning of 2013, the Plano, Texas-based home decor superstore retailer has been on a steep upward trajectory — and it shows no signs of losing momentum anytime soon.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corporation is equipping consumers with its newest development in fuel  treatment — Advanced Formula Ethanol-Free Fuel.

The product is hitting shelves at Lowe's and offereing advantages over ethanol-blended gas, the company said. The formula is packaged in a line of premium stabilizer and fuel blends specifically designed to make operation of 2-and 4-cycle engines smoother while helping maintain performance. 

Eau Claire, Wis.-based Menards is advertising a Decks & Landscaping Sale running through April 17.

Retaining block walls are featured on the cover of the retailer's digital flyer, along with concrete edgers, pavers and patio blocks.

The company is also promoting a 12-ft. by 16-ft. deck with a 10-ft. octagon starting at about $2,179. 

Dave & Buster's, Inc., the chain of restaurant/entertainment outlets, has named John Mulleady as its senior VP development. In addition to overseeing all real estate and construction projects, Mulleady will lead the company's expansion strategy, driving D&B's growth into new and under-penetrated markets. Dave & Buster's currently has 59 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and expects to open several more in the near future.