Home Improvement

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Ikea helped out young people transition out of foster care by donating 110 bags filled with Ikea products.

The Ikea "starter kits" included sheets, a comforter, pots and pans, towels and other in-home necessities.

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. — Samsung Electronics America has launched its cannister vacuums in the United States. The three new models feature reduced noise levels and innovative ergonomic design.

According to the company, the innovative airflow design reduces excessive noise, cutting down on the roaring vacuum sounds that can disturb everyone in the house. The units also feature unique design components with a carrying handle.

New York -- Lowe's Cos. is seeking to hire two senior executives that could play a role in its CEO succession plan, according to the Associated Press.

The chain is looking for a chief merchandising officer and a head of supply chain. The positions were left vacant in May due to a reorganization.

Lowe’s is looking both internally and externally, the report said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — GE's Brillion-enabled products have made their retail debut at Sears.

Starting Thursday, more than 100 Sears stores in the Northeast will offer the GE Get Connected Starter Kit, plus the GE programmable thermostat and GE’s award-winning GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater, all with Brillion technology, in one location.

TOWSON, Md. — Black and Decker is partnering with Richard Petty Motorsports and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Marcos Ambrose. The Black and Decker branded No. 9 Ford Fusion will race at four primary races: Kansas on Oct. 21, Martinsville on Oct. 28, Phoenix on Nov. 11 and Homestead-Miami on Nov. 18.

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has appointed Phil Jones, formerly president of its west coast region, to lead its retail channel for independent garden centers and hardware co-op stores as SVP independent channel.

Chattanooga, Tenn. -- CBL & Associates Properties said Monday it will renovate and redevelop its Northgate Mall property in Chattanooga, Tenn., with the first phase adding Ross Dress for Less and Michael’s Arts & Crafts, as well as redeveloping the adjacent T.J. Maxx-anchored community center.

Construction will begin on the associated center in early 2013 with completion anticipated in fall 2013.

New York -- Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores Inc. is set to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on Friday after Sears Holdings Corp. completed a spin-off transaction of the home appliances, hardware, tools and garden equipment retailer.

Sears Holdings received $446.5 million in proceeds in the transaction, including a $100 million dividend paid by Sears Hometown prior to the separation and about $347 million from a rights offering.