Home Improvement

New York City -- The president and CEO of Aaron's Inc. has resigned.

Robert C. Loudermilk, the son of the company's founder, announced his resignation Friday afternoon. In a statement, the appliance and furniture-rental company said Loudermilk was leaving due to health reasons. He also resigned from Aaron's board of directors.

Ronald W. Allen, former chairman and CEO of Delta Air Lines, will serve as Aaron's interim president and CEO.

San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma announced today that it has acquired Rejuvenation Inc., a manufacturer and retailer of authentic reproduction lighting and house parts, such as doors and cabinet hardware.

Rejuvenation’s lighting fixtures are custom-configured and made-to-order. The brand’s products are sold through its catalog, website and retail stores in Portland, Ore., Seattle and Los Angeles. The transaction price was not disclosed.

SAN FRANCISCO — Williams-Sonoma has acquired Rejuvenation Inc. for an undisclosed price, the company announced last week. Rejuvenation Inc., is a manufacturer of such products as door and cabinet hardware as well as reproduction lighting that is sold through its catalog, website and retail stores in Portland, Ore., Seattle, Wash., and Los Angeles.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Big Lots reported that sales for the third quarter ended Oct. 29 were $1.1 billion, an increase of 6% compared with $1 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Comparable-store sales increased 1.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2011.  

INDIANAPOLIS — Electronic retailer Hhgregg reported net income of $6 million for the second quarter ended Sept. 30, or 16 cents per diluted share, compared with net income of $3.9 million, or 10 cents per diluted share, for the comparable prior-year period. According to the company, the increase in net income for the second quarter was the result of an increase in net sales due to the net addition of 35 stores during the past 12 months and a comparable-store sales increase of 1.5%.

Conshohocken, Pa. -- Ikea announced on Wednesday plans to install solar energy panels at three additional U.S. locations, bringing the number of Ikea U.S. stores with a solar program to 23 – more than half of the home-furnishing retailer’s domestic presence.

Chicago -- True Value Co. reported Tuesday that profit for the third quarter increased 3.4% to $18.1 million, compared with $17.5 million in the year-ago period.

Revenue rose 3.6% to $445.7 million, from $430.2 million.

According to the cooperative, 788,000 sq. ft. of retail space has been covered to its recommended Destination True Value prototype so far this fiscal year, up 13.5 % from 694,000 sq. ft. last year.
 

MIRAMAR, Fla. — Russell Hobbs, the licensee of the Farberware brand, announced that it has launched an exclusive line of small kitchen appliances at Walmart.

Farberware's line of products includes a chic, programmable coffee and tea maker, a dual-function food processor and a powerhouse 10-speed blender. All have stainless steel finishes and unparalleled craftsmanship perfect for the home chef that is interested in high-quality, great-looking appliances at an affordable price, according the company. All items are priced at $59.88 each.