Home Improvement

PHILADELPHIA — Pep Boys has been named as the exclusive distributor of Barett Jackson car care products within its new automobile restoration system.

The three-part automobile restoration system – which includes abrasives, paint and car care – is now available in at Pep Boys locations across the country and offers car collectors and enthusiasts an easy, unique way to complete the restoration of car projects from start to finish.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Cookware Manufacturers Association (CMA) has partnered with NSF International, an independent global organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the food, water and consumer goods industries, to provide quality and safety standards for cookware and other consumer products.

DALLAS and ATLANTA — The Home Depot bolstered its home improvement selection with the acquisition of U.S. Home Systems, a manufacturer of kitchen, bathroom and other remodeling products, as well as storage organization systems for closets and garages. Currently, USHS serves as the exclusive provider of kitchen and bath refacing products and services as well as closet and garage organizational systems to The Home Depot.

Atlanta -- The Home Depot said Tuesday it will acquire kitchen and bath vendor U.S. Home Systems in a deal worth about $93 million.

U.S. Home Systems manufactures and installs remodeling and organization products, as well as cabinet-refacing and countertop products, exclusively through Home Depot. The acquisition is part of Home Depot’s strategy to increase its home service business.

The deal is expected to close by the end 2012.

ATLANTA — Assurant Solutions, a provider of extended service contracts, is now offering Assurant Expert Services, a service delivery solution that enables their clients in the consumer electronics, major appliance and telecommunications sectors to sell, manage and deliver additional services and support to their customers.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Shopko has named Craig Gourley as its new SVP, general merchandise manager home and hardlines.  

In this position, Gourley will report to Jill Soltau, EVP, chief merchandising officer, and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of merchandising for the home division including developing strategies, negotiation vendor partnerships and managing the buying team.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. on Tuesday confirmed a July 8 proposal to acquire Canadian home-improvement and hardware retailer Rona, but said the Quebec-based chain rejected the $1.9 billion offer.

According to the 800-store Rona, the sale to Lowe’s would not be in its best interests.

"Rona's strategic focus remains to execute on its business plan with a view to capturing the significant opportunities that it sees for the business," Rona said in a statement.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Luxury appliance maker Jenn-Air has signed on as the exclusive major appliance sponsor of the second annual Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival.

This 2012 Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival will feature more than 50 events including wine seminars, unique dining experiences, and cooking demonstrations. The event will host more than 130 celebrated chefs and 200 acclaimed wineries, with proceeds raised benefiting St. Vincent Meals on Wheels.