Home Improvement

BOUCHERVILLE, Quebec — Rona, the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, has announced the appointment of Dominique Boies to the position of EVP and CFO.   Boies will be a member of Rona's management committee, reporting directly to Robert Dutton, president and CEO.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- Sears Holdings Corp. said Tuesday it has named Robert A. Schriesheim as executive VP and CFO.

Schriesheim’s position as executive VP is effective immediately, and he will begin his CFO duties on Aug. 22.

Schriesheim most recently was CFO for Hewitt Associates, leading the company's global financial and administrative roles until its merger with Aon Corp. He replaces acting CFO Bill Phelan.

ATLANTA — Sales increased 4.2% at The Home Depot, the company reported Tuesday morning.

The Atlanta-based company posted $20.2 billion in sales for the period. The company's net earnings for the quarter were $1.4 billion, compared with net earnings of $1.2 billion in the same period of fiscal 2010. 

Encouraged by the growth, the world's largest home improvement retailer raised its fiscal 2011 diluted earnings-per-share guidance to an expectation of $2.34 for the year, up 16%.

Atlanta -- Home Depot reported Tuesday that its second-quarter net income soared 14% to $1.36 billion, compared with $1.19 billion in the year-ago period. The home-improvement retailer cited an uptick in storm-related repairs and lawn supplies for the improved performance.

Revenue rose 4% to $20.23 billion, topping Wall Street’s expected $19.97 billion. Same-store sales rose 4.3% globally and 3.5% in the United States.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. reported Monday that profit for the quarter ended July 29 was $830 million, down from $832 million in the year-ago period. The home improvement retailer closed seven underperforming stores on Sunday and trimmed its earnings forecast for the year.

“Despite some recovery in our seasonal business, our performance for the quarter fell short of our expectations," said Robert A. Niblock, CEO.

Net sales edged up 1.3% to $14.5 billion; same-store sales dipped 0.3%.

Concord, Calif. -- Jacksonville, Fla.-based Regency Centers said it has leased space to two new restaurant tenants at Clayton Valley Shopping Center, located in Concord, Calif.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries has leased 2,400 sq. ft., and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit will open fall 2011 in a 1,740-sq.-ft. space.

The 260,000-sq.-ft. shopping center is anchored by Orchard Supply Hardware alongside national retailers such as Ross Dress for Less, Fresh & Easy and CVS/pharmacy.
 

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kenmore's new Elite Signature Trio refrigerator model boasts extra capacity, smart features and a fresh design that consumers have come to expect from kitchen appliances, the company said.

NEW YORK — Launched online at Target.com on Aug. 1 is the new Spa Sonic Skin Care System face & body polisher.

The seven-piece, at-home spa set works to deeply cleanse the entire face and body. Its dermal penetrating action is designed to promote rapid absorption of skin care products and leaves skin toned and smooth.