Home Centers

Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based Sears said it launched post Superstorm Sandy programs to bring supplies and discounts on appliances to the New York area.

Additionally, Sears along with its partner, non-profit Rebuilding Together, has made a commitment to rebuild 100 homes in the storm-affected areas.

The announcement came after discussions between the retailer and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who said: "I am challenging other retailers to please step-up and get involved."

The trial of a man accused of killing a Home Depot store manager in a 2007 robbery attempt ended in a guilty verdict with a recommended death sentence, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times.

Home improvement retailer Menards has approached the Ford Motor Co. about purchasing 46 acres of a former automobile factory, according to an article in The Detroit News.

Citing the company's unique problem-solving focus, Lowe's honored Olympic Paint and Stain as its 2013 Innovation Partner of the Year at its annual vendor meeting.

"With the launch of its new resurfacing product, Olympic rescued consumers who were previously stuck with only costly replacement options," said Mike Jones, Lowe's chief merchandising officer. "By working hand-in-hand, Olympic and Lowe's have raised the bar on delivering quality and value, helping make home improvement simpler by solving a complex problem for customers."

A college football fan accused of spiking mature oak trees with an herbicide in Birmingham, Ala., was arrested at a Louisiana Lowe’s store following an argument at the returns desk over a lawn mower refund.

It's no secret that Sears has been struggling, but a less-than-robust Q3 earnings report may have prompted the retailer to make a few drastic moves in an effort to sustain itself.

Sears Holdings Corporation announced that its wholly owned subsidiaries, Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp. and Kmart Corporation, have taken out a $1.0 billion loan.

The incremental term loan was enacted under a new senior secured term loan facility under the company's existing credit agreement, titled Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 8, 2011. The agreement continues to provide for a $3.275 billion asset-based revolving credit facility.

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, former Home Depot executive Matthew Pitts has joined SMS Assist as chief operating officer. 

At Atlanta-based Home Depot, Pitts was VP building services and had worked at the retailer for about 20 years. SMS is a facilities maintenance company based in Chicago. It serves about 24,000 locations.