Home Improvement

CHICAGO — True Value reported “gross billings” of $451.9 million for the fourth quarter, up 2.3% from the same quarter last year.

“Gross billings” -- a term not used in the co-op’s 2012 earnings announcement -- is a measure of the total amount invoiced to customers, without subtracting discounts or adjustments.

The company’s revenue was $340.4 million, up 3.3% from the prior-year quarter.

Martha Stewart Living and The Home Depot have teamed up for a new video series launching April 25.

The series will consist of three unique videos per week, released via e-newsletter, and hosted on the Martha Stewart Video Hub, Homedepot.com, Aol.com, and Yahoo Screen. 

The videos will fall into two categories, highlighting Martha Stewart Living product sold at The Home Depot, and answering various DIY "how-to" questions:

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Hispanicize 2013, the annual Latino trends event, has announced Procter & Gamble as the official presenting sponsor for this year's event taking place in Miami Beach from April 9 to 13. This is P&G's first year as the presenting sponsor of the Hispanicize event.

The Home Depot is bringing back its Spring Black Friday event, which it describes as a weekend of regional savings on hundreds.

The sales begin April 4.           

"We see increased traffic in our stores during the spring season as customers kick-off their home improvement projects," said Craig Menear, executive VP merchandising. "In a recovering housing market, we know our consumers are continuing to look for ways to affordably improve their homes.”

Home Depot announced that it has reached a tentative agreement in March to settle California lawsuits related to the sale of paints and coatings.

The company's recent 10-k filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission report followed up on 2010 allegations that the retailer sold products in three California counties and Los Angeles that exceeded the level of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) under the rules of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- Ace Hardware Corp. announced that John Venhuizen has been named president and CEO of the hardware cooperative. The appointment is part of a strategic leadership transition that was announced last fall.

In September, Venhuizen was named president and COO of Ace Hardware, while Ace’s outgoing leader Ray Griffith maintained the title of CEO.

Venhuizen is a 20+-year veteran of Ace Hardware, having served in a variety of capacities.

Phoenix -- Leslie’s Poolmart said Monday it will grand-open 15 Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies stores across 10 states on April 5, as part of the company’s plan to open 48 new stores this spring.

The new stores opening on April 5 include: Tucson, Ariz.; Pleasanton, Calif.; Rohnert Park, Calif.; Cockeysville, Md.; Gastonia, N.C.; Las Vegas; New Hyde Park, N.Y.; West Chester, Ohio; Spartanburg, S.C.; Harlingen, Texas; Lake Jackson, Texas; Sherman, Texas; Wylie, Texas; Manassas, Va.; and Virginia Beach.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores has elected James Gooch to its board of directors and as chair of the audit committee of the board of directors.