True Value is stepping onto a national stage as the Offi cial Hardware Partner of the BIG EAST Conference, bringing the trusted neighborhood hardware brand to millions of college basketball fans from March 11–14.

As the country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this July, 84 Lumber is launching its Building America250 campaign, a company-wide tribute honoring the past, present, and future of the industry that built America.

For the first time, the Spring Convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, drawing more than 12,000 attendees — nearly 1,000 more than last year — including 4,566 registered Ace retailers. A new city, but a familiar message energized retailers at the Ace Spring 2026 Convention: Ace remains the “hope of the hardware industry.”

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased by 2.2 points in February to 91.2 (1985=100), from an upwardly revised 89.0 in January. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—decreased by 1.8 points to 120.0 in February. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—rose by 4.8 points to 72.0. The cutoff for preliminary results was February 17, 2026.

House-Hasson Hardware Company, headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, announced the appointment of Jeff Land as Chief Executive Officer. Land joins House-Hasson from Northern Tool & Equipment, where he currently serves as Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Inventory Management, Product Management, and Global Sourcing. He has previously served in senior roles at Generac and Harbor Freight.

Ace Hardware Corporation reported fourth quarter 2025 revenues of $2.5 billion, an increase of $226.7 million, or 9.9 percent, from the fourth quarter of 2024. Fiscal 2025 consisted of 53 weeks compared to 52 weeks in fiscal 2024. Excluding the 53rd week, revenues in the fourth quarter increased $107.3 million, or 4.7 percent, from the fourth quarter of 2024. Net income was $44.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, a decrease of $9.6 million from the fourth quarter of 2024. In the fourth quarter of 2024 the Company recorded a $17.8 million gain on the sale of the Company’s former Retail Support Center (“RSC”) in Little Rock, Arkansas that was partially offset by higher operating income in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Tractor Supply Compnay appointed Sonia Syngal as an independent member of its Board of Directors. Syngal brings more than three decades of leadership experience across major public companies, adding strategic depth as Tractor Supply advances its long-term growth plans.

Straight Line Metal Buildings is pleased to announce the appointment of Sean Weda as its new general manager. Weda brings a strong background in leadership and operational excellence to the role. His career includes six years leading Marines in the infantry, followed by more than 13 years of progressive leadership experience in the manufacturing industry.

Do it Best shared that Chad Ruth announced his retirement at the end of January, concluding a career defined by service to independent home improvement retailers and the cooperative model. Ruth served as President & CEO of United Hardware Distributing Co. prior to and during the early stages of the combination with Do it Best. After Do it Best and United Hardware announced their intent to merge in May 2024, Ruth was asked to remain in a senior leadership capacity to support integration planning, ensure continuity, and help position member-owners and the business for long-term strength.

Thousands of home improvement retailers converged in Orlando today as Orgill kicked off its 2026 Dealer Market with a singular focus: supporting customers’ unique needs and helping them identify practical pathways to growth and long-term success. The annual event brings together the industry’s leading manufacturers, retail service providers and Orgill team members, all aligned around delivering real-world solutions and hands-on support as retailers explore ways to strengthen profitability, sharpen operations and best position their businesses for the year ahead.