Industry News

Rival Holdings Announces Leadership Promotions for Alicia Wilkins and Brandon Koenig

March 24, 2026

Rival Holdings, an Indiana-based investment and holding company, has announced the promotions of Alicia Wilkins to Chief People Officer and Brandon Koenig to Chief Financial Officer, strengthening the company’s executive leadership team as it continues to expand its impact in the built ecosystem.

Tractor Supply Steps Onto Rodeo’s Biggest Stage as Presenting Sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

March 12, 2026

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States (the “Company”), announced today it is an Official Partner of the 2026 National Finals Rodeo (NFR), known officially as the “Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Tractor Supply Company.” The sponsorship of one of rodeo’s most prestigious events solidifies Tractor Supply as a top supporter of western sports nationally, regionally and locally.

Mead Lumber Completes Renaming Efforts with Final Knecht Home Center Location

March 12, 2026

Mead Lumber will complete the renaming of its former Knecht Home Center stores on Friday, March 13, when its Cañon City, Colorado location officially changes its name to Mead Lumber. The move marks the final step in a brand transition that began in October 2025 with the company’s locations in Rapid City and Spearfish, South Dakota, and Gillette and Sheridan, Wyoming.

True Value Takes Center Court as Official Hardware Partner of the BIG EAST Conference

March 9, 2026

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.

Do it Best and True Value Spring Market Ignites Growth

March 7, 2026

Do it Best and True Value dealers are actively engaging in the Spring Market at the Colorado Convention Center, where education, exclusive buying opportunities, networking, and strategic launches are designed to equip them with new tools, from cutting-edge solutions to data intelligence, that directly drive growth, margin, and profitability.

84 Lumber Launches “Building America250” Campaign to Honor Nation’s 250th Anniversary

February 26, 2026

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.

Ace Hardware Spring 2026 Convention: Reclaiming Convenience, Strengthening Retailers

February 26, 2026

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.”

Ace Hardware Honors 2025 Vendors of the Year

February 24, 2026

Ace Hardware is proud to announce its 2025 Vendors of the Year, recognizing a select group of vendor partners whose leadership, innovation and collaboration played a critical role in helping Ace retailers succeed over the past year. "Our vendor partners are essential to the strength of the Ace brand and the success of our independent retailers,” said Chris Huot, Corporate Vice President of Merchandising.

Recession indicators, economic downturn visualization, 3D illustration

US Consumer Confidence Inched Up in February

February 24, 2026

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 Appoints Jeff Land as Chief Executive Officer

February 19, 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.

INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

Rival Holdings Announces Leadership Promotions for Alicia Wilkins and Brandon Koenig

Tractor Supply Steps Onto Rodeo’s Biggest Stage as Presenting Sponsor of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

Mead Lumber Completes Renaming Efforts with Final Knecht Home Center Location

True Value Takes Center Court as Official Hardware Partner of the BIG EAST Conference

Do it Best and True Value Spring Market Ignites Growth

84 Lumber Launches “Building America250” Campaign to Honor Nation’s 250th Anniversary

Ace Hardware Spring 2026 Convention: Reclaiming Convenience, Strengthening Retailers

Ace Hardware Honors 2025 Vendors of the Year

US Consumer Confidence Inched Up in February

House-Hasson Appoints Jeff Land as Chief Executive Officer

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