Stock strategists are realizing the financial potential for both Home Depot and Lowe’s. Recent thinking can be attributed to a number of company-specific programs that shift away from square footage growth and concentrate more on store efficiency. The program objective for both these companies is to reduce costs and drive margin expansion…Read More
Executive VP of merchandising for Home Depot, Craig Menear, recently described the process for choosing a private-label brand during the retail conglomerate’s recent Analyst and Investor Conference. The points discussed included innovation and brand relevance, as well as specific financial and quality issues. Both private-label brands and propriety make up about 14% of the home improvement retailer’s business…Read More
Lumber Liquidators has appointed Robert Lynch to be president and chief operating officer for the hardwood floor retail company. Lynch’s impressive resume includes top financial posts with Orchard Supply Hardware, The Home Depot, Accenture Consulting and Ernst & Young. Lynch will be overseeing several divisions that include merchandising and supply & chain store operations…Read More
Home Depot is pondering the idea of scaling back the space it usually provides for kitchen showrooms. Due to the 50% downturn in kitchen industry sales, the company plans to use the space for assembled cabinets and re-facing programs. Home Depot typically dedicates 500 sq. ft. to showrooms and kitchens…Read More
The Home Depot shared some key planning and financial insights to the business community during the December Investor and Analyst Conference. Among key points highlighted were the company’s projected sales increase for 2011, its plan to open 10 new stores, and its interconnecting retail plan for the New Year. New retail locations will be opening up in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The company also will be rolling out a new mobile application to help customers shop online more efficiently….Read More
Despite analyst expectations, Costco posted profit earnings of $312 million for its first fiscal quarter. Up 71 cents per share from 60 cents per share from the same quarter last year, Costco’s sales rose to $18.8 billion. In other news, Home Depot is expecting an earnings per share rise of 27% for fiscal 2010….Read More
The Home Depot shared some key planning and financial insights to the business community during the December Investor and Analyst Conference. Among key points highlighted were the company’s projected sales increase for 2011, its plan to open 10 new stores, and its interconnecting retail plan for the New Year. New retail locations will be opening up in Mexico, Canada and the United States. The company also will be rolling out a new mobile application to help customers shop online more efficiently….Read More
A recent new survey of 95 U.S retailers shows the impatience growing for a lack of consumer sales of eco-friendly products. In response, retailers are now pursuing their own sustainable efforts to increase energy efficiency within their stores. The report also highlights a willingness of companies to educate their customers to invest in more environmentally friendly products….Read More
Costco outperformed expectations on Wednesday, posting a higher quarterly profit than what was originally predicted by financial analysts. Despite the belief that tougher comparisons would slow down sales during the holiday season, the company’s sales growth continued to build momentum as the quarter progressed, due in part to strong sales and increased revenue fee. Analysts attribute the better-than-expected results from the improvements in the California market, which is responsible for more than a quarter of Costco’s sales….Read More
Sam’s Club is offering their customers a new home and business installation service. Third party vendors will be available to help deliver, assemble and/or install items purchased from more than one of the company’s 600 stores nationwide. The new service is meant to simplify the delivery and set up process for its customers. Senior director, Mike Swatsworth, recently expressed the notion that customers should enjoy their purchases without having to endure the hassle of installing products themselves during the holiday season….Read More