Industry News

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Father’s Day Spending to Reach Record $24 Billion

May 29, 2025

Father’s Day spending is expected to reach a record $24 billion this year, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The figure is up from last year’s $22.4 billion and exceeds the previous record of $22.9 billion in 2023.

Ace Hardware Announces New 2025 Board Members

May 29, 2025

Ace Hardware Corporation, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, announced changes to the company’s Board of Directors following its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Do it Best Group appoints Marianne Thompson to lead strategic integration of Do it Best and True Value

May 29, 2025

Do it Best Group announces the appointment of Marianne Thompson as its new executive vice president of transformation and integration, a new role created to lead the next phase of integration for True Value and United Hardware into the Do it Best organization.

Open Letter to Weber from Taylor’s Do it Best

May 16, 2025

Like many of you, I was shocked and extremely disappointed with the announcement last week by Weber that they would be eliminating all distribution in the independent channel with the exception of Ace and Emery Jensen. All the while, maintaining their support of big box stores and other online marketplaces. Does this sound like a win for independents? I don’t think so.

James Hardie and Hover Unveil AI-Powered Home Design Tool

April 24, 2025

In a move set to revolutionize the home renovation industry, James Hardie Building Products Inc. has partnered with 3D property technology leader Hover to launch a cutting-edge digital design tool. The new platform, dubbed Hardie™ Designer, allows homeowners to visualize exterior renovations using real James Hardie® products—all from a single photo of their home.

Tractor Supply Starts Construction on New Distribution Center in Nampa, Idaho

April 24, 2025

The 865,000 square foot facility will be the 11th distribution center in the Tractor Supply network and represents an initial investment of nearly $225 million in the Canyon County area.

Mead Lumber Welcomes Stephen West as Region 3 Manager

April 23, 2025

West brings more than three decades of leadership experience in contractor relations and operations management. Most recently, he served as President of Zarsky Lumber in Texas, where he was responsible for seven locations and led company-wide efforts in operations, strategy, and growth.

Do it Best Wins ACG 2024 Deal of the Year Award

April 18, 2025

Do it Best is proud to announce that it was named the recipient of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) 2024 Deal of the Year Award (Large Cap) for the state of Indiana. The prestigious award recognizes the successful acquisition of True Value Company,

Retail Sales Grew in March But Consumers Are ‘Not Feeling Great’ as Tariffs Rise

April 16, 2025

The Census Bureau said overall retail sales in March were up 1.4% seasonally adjusted month over month and up 4.6% unadjusted year over year. That compared with increases of 0.2% month over month and 3.5% year over year in February.

Credit Card Companies Will Make Twice as Much on Easter Eggs as ‘Swipe’ Fees Cost Consumers Over $550 Million

April 15, 2025

Big banks and credit card networks will make twice as much on a dozen Easter eggs this year as the rising “swipe” fees they charge merchants to process transactions cost families celebrating the holiday more than $550 million, the Merchants Payments Coalition said today.