Do it Best, the nation’s largest member-owned co-op for hardware and lumber products, announces its bid to acquire substantially all assets from True Value, a Chicago-based hardlines wholesalers that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy under private equity ownership. The proposed acquisition, supported unanimously by the Do it Best Board of Directors, would mark a significant moment in the history of the independent home improvement industry, if consummated, as it would create a worldwide store network exceeding 8,000 locations in the U.S. and more than 50 countries around the world.

True Value has undertaken a process to pursue a potential strategic sale of the company. With full support of our board of directors, we hired an investment banker to identify and vet the best options for our associates, retailers and vendor partners. Our current equity investors have been instrumental in supporting our efforts to modernize and right-size our legacy operations, and I am tremendously grateful for them.

The National Retail Federation today released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay after a labor strike was initiated at all U.S. East and Gulf Coast container ports. The strike went into effect after the six-year master contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired on Sept. 30.

With its acquisition of South Texas Hardware’s three-location chain, Nation’s Best expands its growing network of locations in its home state, bringing its total location count across the US to 63.

Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world, retained its fifth ranking position in the annual Franchise Times Top 400 List for the third year in a row.

GreatStar Tools USA, a leading manufacturer of hand tools serving DIY, professional, and industrial markets worldwide, is proud to announce the promotion of Roberto Izaguirre to Chief Executive Officer of Arrow Fastener Company, LLC.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. announced it has named Pella®, Schluter Systems and Klein Tools as the company's 2024 Vendor Partners of the Year. The suppliers were recognized for their commitment to delivering quality products, innovation, value and service to Lowe's customers.

In a gesture of community support, Ace Hardware Corporation is giving back to those who serve on the frontlines. As part of Ace Cares Week and in honor of Patriot’s Day, 200 leaders from Ace’s Oak Brook headquarters came together to assemble and donate 40 Blackstone grills to fire departments across Chicago's Western Suburbs.

Volvo Trucks North America customer Home Hardware Stores Limited has officially introduced two Volvo VNR Electric trucks to their fleet. The trucks are the first zero-tailpipe emission vehicles to join the Home brand.

ECI Software Solutions, a global provider of cloud-based business management software and services, announces the appointment of Ray Wizbowski as Chief Marketing Officer, effective Aug. 1, 2024. With more than 20 years of marketing experience spanning multiple industries and both small-to-medium businesses (SMB) and enterprise customers, Wizbowski will lead ECI's marketing strategy and ensure its alignment with business objectives and drive brand growth, enhance customer engagement and optimize ECI’s marketing positioning.