Depot's top merchant dissects Q4

The Home Depot EVP merchandising Ted Decker had the happy duty Tuesday of reporting "all of our merchandising departments posted positive comps."

Some departments did better than others. Appliances, tools, and building materials had double-digit comps in the quarter. Lighting, plumbing, hardware, and indoor garden were above the company average, and décor was in line with the company average.

The company reported fourth quarter comps of positive 7.1%, and positive 8.9% for U.S. stores.

Sales at the world's largest home improvement retailer benefited from milder weather, and a strong Black Friday, Decker said.

Growth was also "significant" among pro-heavy categories, he said. "Our recent assortment update in roofing continues to drive excellent results, as we saw double-digit comps in roofing in the fourth quarter.

"And, we continue to see strength in core maintenance and repair categories with double-digit comps in pumps, security lighting, water heaters, electrical tools, construction adhesives, ladders, and caulks," he said. "Cleaning, bath fixtures, door locks, and pipe and fittings also had comps above the company average."

Coming in the first quarter, Home Depot will reset it's door lock assortment, "We have a new merchandising approach that highlights our brands and their complete collections," he said. The move will highlight Schlage Connect and Kwikset 915 electronic locks.

The merchandising team is focused on the spring selling season, with grill offers from Weber, Nexgrill, and KitchenAid. Hampton Bay will lead the patio sets, and Decker expressed excitement over organics from Dr. Earth and Black Magic.

Also coming in Q1 are products for the pro customer, including new entries from Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, and Rigid. Decker touted the chain's exclusive (among big boxes) with the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel with One Key that "provides users the ability to control tool settings, track the location of their tools, and manage their tool and equipment inventory with their wireless devices."

Other Notable stats from Decker's merchandising report:

• In the fourth quarter, the company set a new record for total transactions -- more that 1.5 billion;

• Comparable tickets increased 2.0%, despite a 32 basis point contraction from deflation in products such as copper and lumber;

• The moderate weather in the quarter aided sales by an estimated $100 million; and

• Big ticket transactions (over $900), were up 11.9% in the quarter. Small ticket transactions (under $50) were up 3.8%. Driving big ticket transactions were appliances, roofing and special order, Decker said.