Technology

Members of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) anticipate a more business friendly atmosphere in Washington.

That's one of the findings of the association's monthly hot topic survey, which is administered along with its Industry Confidence Index.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada announced a voluntary recall of "Garden Treasures Living" steel outdoor fireplaces made by Sunjoy Industries Group.

Parsippany, N.J.-based bicycle manufacturer Kent International sees momentum in bike sales in the hardware channel. The company now has six styles stocked in Orgill's distribution system.

In addition to Mintcraft brand men's and women's steel frame and aluminum frame cruisers, Kent has men's and women's Giordano fitness cruisers in the warehouse, ready for shipment, said Kent's Ron Lippner, VP sales.

Winchester, Va.-based Trex Co, announced a change in its accounting for inventories from a specific goods last in, first out (LIFO) approach to a Link Chain LIFO method. 

The new method is preferable for several reasons, according to Trex:

Houston-based co-op Handy Hardware Wholesale opens its 50th Anniversary Spring Market today in Houston. The event runs through Feb. 5.

Handy’s market floor will open at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday and will close at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5.  Market incentives will be enhanced as five market attendees will have the opportunity to draw for up to $50,000 in cash at the close of the market. Following the market close, the member-owned distributor will continue the celebration with a private concert by Sony BMG recording artist Kellie Pickler.

New distributor members of STAFDA include companies from Minneapolis and Memphis, Boulder and Beaverton., according to an announcement in the Elm Grove, Wis.-based association's December Trade News bulletin.

They are:

This week, California-based Orchard Supply Hardware is leveraging its Sears connection, by marking 25% off of all Craftsman brand products.

Hot Deals

• A Craftsman 12-volt Li-Ion drill for $52.49
• A 17-in. plastic toolbox for $11.24
• 260-piece mechanic’s toolbox for $149.99

The Skinny: A circular within a circular

Some 23,000 Toro Power Clear snowblowers and another 6,200 or so 20-inch Recycler mowers are being recalled.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Toro announced a voluntary recall of the products because the carburetors develop fuel leaks and can ignite when exposed to an ignition source, posing a fire or burn hazard.

No fires or injuries have been reported, but there have been about 500 reports of carburetor leaks.