Home Improvement

Washington, D.C. -- Consumers are predicted to spend an average of $106.49 on Father’s Day spending this year, up from $94.32 last year, according to the National Retail Federation’s Consumer Intentions and Actions Father’s Day survey. It is the highest in the eight years the survey has been conducted.

ELMHURST, Ill. — The Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of access control products, has announced two promotions. Dick Gregory has been promoted to VP Chamberlain retail sales, and Anthony Abate has been appointed marketing channel manager for retail national accounts.

Watsonville, Calif. -- West Marine will open the biggest store in the company's history, a 50,000-sq.-ft flagship in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Due to open by yearend, the store will be twice as big as the company's current largest location and will be focused on serving both local and seasonal boating customers.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears announced that it has created a list of perfect Father's Day gifts with the help of its mySears community and Facebook fans. The company polled its consumers and yielded more than 700 responses to determine the ultimate "Gift Guy'd," the company reported.

WASHINGTON — Ongoing economic challenges and high gas prices won’t put a dent in shoppers spending intentions this Father’s Day, according to new research from the National Retail Federation.

Conshohocken, Pa. — Ikea plans to install solar photovoltaic systems on six more of its locations in the Eastern United States. Pending governmental permits, installation will begin in late spring, with completion expected this fall.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears Holdings has named William Phelan as acting CFO, replacing Michael Collins, currently SVP and CFO, who resigned last week to pursue another opportunity, the company reported in an SEC filing.

Collins will remain with the company until June 10 in order to ensure a smooth transition, Sears noted in the filing.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that Sam Solomon has joined the company as SVP and president of its tools business.  Solomon is responsible for developing and driving growth and profit opportunities for one of the company's cornerstone businesses, the company reported.  He was recently CEO and president of The Coleman Company Inc.