Products

Bullish!
The prolonged housing downturn has pushed the building materials industry into uncharted waters where everyone is trying to hold their place in a shifting topography of competitors, suppliers and customers. Big or small, LBM operators are learning that the rules of engagement have changed. Here today, gone tomorrow, back next week in a reconfigured shape. 

What a perfect time to try something new.  
Lowe's offers LED bulb with Energy Star rating
Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s says it is the first national retailer to offer consumers an Energy Start-rated LED A-Line bulb.

Green all along

Throughout the downturn of the last four years or so we have seen the lumber and building materials industry shrink dramatically. Some estimates of sales shrinkage at the dealer level put it beyond 50%. In some markets, that estimate is absurdly low. There is no denying that everyone in all segments and steps in the chain is battered. Unfortunately, even the homeowner/consumer is somewhat damaged as well.  
California says goodbye to 100-watt bulb

California is phasing out its incandescent light bulbs, and the first one to go will be the 100-watt variety, according to an article in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

The California Energy Commission said the old-fashioned bulbs wasted about 90 percent of their electricity emitting heat instead of visible light. The agency estimates California consumers will save $35.6 million in unnecessary energy costs in one year.
Slide show: Do it Best Fall Market
Pratt & Lambert introduces paint & primer

Pratt & Lambert Paints has released a new interior paint-and-primer-in-one that aims to provide better hide, durability, adhesion and smoothness.

Accolade Premium Paint & Primer offers a range of one-coat colors with the same high-performance formula.
Strong Q4 and fiscal 2017 for Central Garden & Pet

Central Garden & Pet Company, the lawn and garden and pet products supplier, reported fourth quarter 2017 net sales rose 18.6% to $490.5 million compared to $413.4 million in the fourth quarter a year ago.

The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based company also reported a net income of $4.3 million for period compared to a net loss of $5.6 million in the fourth quarter a year ago.
MDU Resources acquires Quality Concrete & Materials
Stanley Black & Decker to buy Craftsman

Sears Holdings plans to sell its Craftsman brand to tool giant Stanley Black & Decker for $550 million cash up front, $250 million at the end of year three, plus various annual payments.

Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Sears said the move is part of an effort to stabilize its operating performance. The struggling retailer also intends to close an additional 150 non-profitable stores – 109 of them under the Kmart banner.

[Click here for the list of upcoming store closures.]
Window & Door groups to merge

The Northeast Window & Door Association will merge with the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.