Technology

Menards is hoping to expand an existing mega store in Tinley Park, Ill.  according to an article in the TribLocal, adding 110,000-square feet to its 202,000-square foot building and 148,000-square-foot lumberyard. The grand total – 360,000 square feet – would make the store the largest unit in the Midwestern home improvement chain.

Camp Hill, Pa.-based Ames True Temper is bringing all of its brands to a single Web address -- amestruetemper.com.

The 2011 National Hardware Show to be held May 10-12 in Las Vegas will be organized to showcase a variety of major categoris, and will offer a new product debut with camping and picnic.

Organizers of the 2011 National Hardware Show are expecting "the strongest and most diverse lineup of buyers" ever to attend its event.

Education is at the forefront of this year’s National Association of Home Builders, or NAHB, International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.


The event features more than 190 educational breakout sessions, offering a wave of information on green building, sustainability, sales and marketing, architectural design, community planning, business management, and innovation and technology.


Pittsburgh-based Snavely Forest Products announced staff additions, including the appointment of Mark Thorn as acting general manager of the Houston division.

Other staffing announcements include Rick Cornell, who joined Snavely-Phoenix in the position of outside sales-industrial accounts, and Cliff DeSpain, who joined Snavely-Greensboro as the Typar market development manager of Snavely's international division.

Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. announced the appointment of new merchandise managers to replace three retiring managers, effective April 1, 2011.

The co-op appointed Gary Loosle for lawn and garden – green goods, Josh Meyer for paint and sundries, and Chris Steinlicht for rental and store supplies.

Whether it’s their geographic market, operating strategy or support from lenders and co-ops, there are plenty of variables that distinguish between a retail company that thrives and a retail company that merely survives.


Meet Costello’s Ace Hardware, where a thriving mind-set and aggressive growth are a function of all three variables, and even a few more. 


Maine Gov. Paul LePage, along with business groups and other supporters, are trying to repeal a 2007 law that requires communities to consider the economic impact of "big-box" stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart before issuing building permits.