Industry News

Tractor Supply Strengthens Position with Dividend Growth and Strategic Board Addition

February 12, 2026

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 Welcomes New General Manager

February 12, 2026

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.

Industry Leader Chad Ruth Announces Retirement

February 11, 2026

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.

2026 Orgill Dealer Market Kicks Off with a Clear Focus on Providing Retailers Tools for Success

February 6, 2026

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.

Mayhew Tools Introduces Innovative 2 Pc. Hammerless Pin Punch Set

February 2, 2026

Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. (Mayhew Tools) announces its new 2 Pc. Hammerless Pin Punch Set, Part Number 89023. This unique spring-powered tool set is engineered to deliver powerful striking force with unmatched precision, making it an essential tool for professionals working with wood and metal.

Home Depot lays off 800 workers, says corporate employees will return to office 5 days a week

January 29, 2026

Home Depot announced Wednesday that it is laying off approximately 800 employees and requiring corporate staff to return to the office five days per week, effective the week of April 6.

Home and Housewares Industry Gearing Up For The Inspired Home Show® 2026

January 29, 2026

Key retailers and brands from around the globe are gearing up for The Inspired Home Show® 2026 – the premier marketplace for the home and housewares industry that will take place March 10-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. With more than 2,000 brands and 300,000 products, the Show – which is organized annually by the International Housewares Association (IHA) – is North America’s largest event for the home and housewares industry.

Mayhew Tools Names Lucy Hawkins as New Strategic Account Manager

January 26, 2026

Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. announced that Lucy Hawkins has been named Strategic Account Manager. With more than a decade of experience supporting manufacturing and distribution teams across customer service, operations, and sales, Hawkins will lead growth for Mayhew’s cable ties product line and help strengthen partnerships with distributors and customers.

Mayhew Tools Cable Ties Achieve Mil-Spec

January 20, 2026

Mayhew Steel Products, Inc. (Mayhew Tools), through its division Mayhew Basque Plastics LLC, announces that select high-performance cable ties within their product line are now qualified to Mil-spec SAE AS23190. The products are also approved for listing on the Qualified Products List (QPL) 23190, marking a major milestone that satisfies the strict buying standards for the military, aerospace, and defense sectors.

Damariscotta Hardware Raises $2,500 for Healthy Lincoln County Through Register Round-Up Campaign

January 16, 2026

When small change adds up, it can make a big difference. Thanks to a two-week register round-up campaign by Damariscotta Hardware, a locally owned cooperative partner of Do it Best Corp., $2,500 will support the work of Healthy Lincoln County. The funds were raised one checkout at a time and matched dollar-for-dollar by the locally owned cooperative.