Home Depot lawn products are golden in Q1

Home Depot’s Craig Menear, executive VP merchandising, shared details and data from a first quarter that saw double-digit comps in certain seasonal product categories.

Overall, Home Depot saw comp-store sales increase 5.8% in the first quarter of strong sales and earnings growth.

A long list of products were described as double-digit comp generators, including walk-behind mowers, riding mowers, lawn accessories, soils and mulches. “Warmer-than-expected weather allowed customers to complete exterior projects and begin spring projects early,” he said, estimating a 300 basis point boost for U.S. comps due to the weather.

Double-digit comps in decks were also reported in pressure washers, siding, gutters, portable outdoor power, roofing, exterior paint, windows and fencing.

Only two departments failing to generate positive comps in the quarter -- plumbing, which was flat, and kitchens, which were slightly negative.

“The core of the store continues to perform,” Menear said. “And we saw positive comps in fasteners, electrical repair, portable power, door locks and pipe and fittings.”

Among the new merchandising initiatives coming to or already on Home Depot shelves are new load center value packs for electronics in the home; Sharkbite dishwasher hook-ups; and new brushless motor technology in power tools from Makita and Milwaukee.

Menear also said the stores are seeing recovery of the pro business. Historically, pro sales account for about 30% of the company’s overall sales.