Home Improvement

Atlanta -- The Home Depot Inc. said Friday it will close its remaining seven big-box outlets in China and focus on Internet-based sales and specialty stores.

As new product launches go, Rubbermaid’s Clean & Dry plunger was overshadowed this week by the unveiling of the iPhone 5, depite the innovation it brings to the bathroom cleaning category.

In addition to the Clean & Dry plunger whose key attributes are evident in the name, Rubbermaid also launched the Rubbermaid Bathroom Scrubbers line of cleaning tools. Both products are designed to make bathroom cleaning easier, quicker and more hygienic.

San Jose, Calif. -- Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corp. reported Tuesday a loss of $26.7 million for the quarter ended July 28, compared with net income of $3.9 million in the year-ago period. The results include write-offs and charges related to real estate sale-leaseback transactions.

Sales dipped to $194.1 million from $196.4 million, and same-store sales edged up 0.9%.

Bed Bath & Beyond is offering a trio of Granite Gold branded products as part of an exclusive new Home Care Collection.

The product offering includes Granite Gold’s daily cleaner, a countertop polish and a specialty cleaner and that retails for $23.99.

"Harsh and abrasive ordinary cleaners have damaging effects on natural stone-surfaces," said Lenny Sciarrino, president and CEO of Granite Gold. "Our Home Care Collection provides Bed Bath & Beyond customers the essential tools to easily and safely clean, shine and protect their surfaces."

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Schuler Cabinetry, a division of Elkay, said it has expanded its presence in Lowe’s stores in this its 10th year with the retailer.

Earlier this year, Lowe’s completed an expansion of the brand into virtually all U.S. stores, with 900 additional stores being outfitted with Schuler selection centers and/or cabinet display vignettes.

Beaumont, Texas -- Conn's Inc. posted a better-than-expected a second-quarter profit of $11.6 million, compared with a loss of $3.1 million in the year-ago period. The company also raised its full-year profit forecast for the third time.

Conn’s said revenue rose 10.9% to $207.4 million. Same-store sales rose 21.5% for the quarter, fueled by a 57.5% rise in same-store sales of furniture and mattresses.

DALLAS — Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are joining together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with two large construction projects that will bring together Lowe’s Heroes, community organizations, schools and local VIPS to celebrate Hispanic heritage while building strong foundations for the future in partnership with Dallas and Houston families. The project includes building two new homes and completing critical repairs on three existing homes in partnership with low-income families.

ATLANTA — Newell Rubbermaid has appointed Doug Martin as CFO, succeeding Juan Figuereo.