Home Improvement

Lowe’s has a new partner in its pursuit of the connected home market and the lofty goal of making customers’ homes and lives smarter.

The nation’s second largest home improvement retailer will sell new smart home devices in 2015 certified by Icontrol Networks, the company behind the most widely used connected home platform in the industry.

Chicago -- True Value Company announced the appointment of Lars Hybel to VP international, effective Jan. 12.

Hybel has a wealth of experience leading multinational and global teams, having worked for more than 15 years at Electrolux. Most recently, he was VP and general manager, global business unit, Electrolux Central Vacuum Systems, leading the transition of three regional operations to a global matrix organization, and successfully coordinating the first mass-channel entry in Canada, driving significant market share gain.

Lowe’s is teaming up with a key supplier to engage a new generation of shoppers with a multifaceted initiative that involves in-store and social media elements.

Tool manufacturer Dremel will be offering a series of in-store clinics at Lowe's to help families design and build a race-worthy Pinewood Derby Car. With the help of Dremel tools and accessories, participants will learn how to create a winning derby car without an elaborate set of tools.

Staples is taking the next step in creating the largest curated ecosystem of “smart home” devices.

The company has announced that its home automation system, called Staples Connect, will now offer ambient alerts for the home and office. The alerts provide audio and visual notifications outside of the Staples Connect app and through compatible devices in the home or office.

Framingham, Mass. – Staples is offering ambient alerts for its home and office automation platform Staples Connect. The alerts provide audio and visual notifications outside of the Staples Connect app and through compatible devices in the home or office.

E-commerce sales at HHgregg surged during what was an otherwise unhappy holiday season that saw sales fall 6 percent and the company's share price tumble after it withdrew a 2015 profit forecast.

For the third quarter, the company estimated net sales of $666 million, a decrease of approximately 6% as compared to the prior year quarter. Same store sales for the third quarter decreased approximately 6%, with the appliance category relatively flat. However, the company estimated that its e-commerce sales were up approximately 59% for the third quarter.

Global retail shrinkage improved by 4.8% last year, thanks to strengthened loss prevention efforts and general economic improvements

Tractor Supply Company has strengthened its partnership with the National 4-H Council by taking in $763,283 for the organization during a 10-day national in-store fundraiser.

With the $1.5 million Tractor Supply raised during spring and fall campaigns, Tractor Supply has now donated nearly $6.5 million to 4-H programs across the country in just over four years.