Industry News

Mead Family Cancer Center Opens in Columbus

October 24, 2026

The Columbus Community Hospital (CCH) and the Mead family celebrated the ribbon cutting for the Mead Family Cancer Center on Thursday, October 22. Made possible by a gift from Bob Mead, who led Mead Lumber as president and CEO from 1987 to 2006, the center brings comprehensive cancer services together in one location next to the hospital. It opens to patients in November.

HGTV Stars, IKEA, and DIY’s Biggest Creators Unite for the First-Ever DIY CON

October 21, 2026

Get ready: makers, creators, crafters, home decorators, and DIY enthusiasts. The inaugural DIY CON makes its highly anticipated debut November 6-8, 2026, bringing together some of the biggest names in DIY, home improvement, crafting, creative entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning for an unforgettable weekend experience at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.

Ace Retail Group Names Phillip Dalrymple Senior Director of Merchandising

October 21, 2026

Ace Retail Group has named Phillip Dalrymple senior director of merchandising, where he will lead product assortment strategy, vendor partnerships and category performance across the company’s more than 260 Ace Hardware stores in 18 states.

NRF Forecasts 2026 Holiday Sales Growth as Consumers Remain Resilient

October 21, 2026

The National Retail Federation today released its annual holiday forecast, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow 4.2% over 2025. That translates to total spending of $1.013 trillion. By comparison, last year’s holiday sales rose 3.1% over 2024 totaling $972 billion.

Arrow Tool Group to Host Final Capitol Christmas Tree Celebration at Littlestown Ace Hardware

October 12, 2026

Arrow Tool Group, a partner of the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, will host a special community celebration on Tuesday, November 17, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Littlestown Ace Hardware, 790 W. King St. in Littlestown, Pennsylvania, marking the final community event on the People’s Tree journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C.

Swiss Tech Puts the Women Behind the Brand at the Heart of Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

October 7, 2026

Special pink collection supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with Swiss Tech teammates stepping in front of the camera to bring the campaign to life.

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The Home Depot Announces 2026 Innovation Award Winners

October 7, 2026

The Home Depot announced its 2026 Innovation Awards winners at its Annual Supplier Partnership Meeting, recognizing products across various home improvement categories spanning from the backyard to the kitchen.

Orgill to Host U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Field Hearing

October 7, 2026

Orgill welcomed members of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means to its Innovation Center in Collierville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, Oct. 6, for a field hearing focused on the impact of recent tax legislation on small businesses, manufacturers, and working families.

Do it Best’s Russ Kathrein Elected Chair of NLBMDA Manufacturers & Services Council

October 1, 2026

Russ Kathrein, vice president of lumber and building materials at Do it Best, has been elected the next chair of the National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association’s Manufacturers & Services Council. The position also includes a seat on NLBMDA’s board of directors.

Do it Best Group Puts Co-op Strength and Member-Focused Innovation to Work at Fall Market

September 26, 2026

Do it Best Group is putting the strength of its cooperative to work at the 2026 Do it Best and True Value Fall Market, giving independent retailers access to stronger buying opportunities, new technology, leading brands, and expert support designed to help them compete and grow.