Home Improvement

J.C. Penney keeps getting more bullish.   The retailer on Thursday outlined an array of new initiatives as part of a three-plan to drive profit and accelerate growth. The company also detailed financial goals, and said it expects to reach nearly half a billion dollars in profit by 2019.  

The big get bigger.   The Home Depot reported record sales and net income as it revised upward its expectations for the full year.   The world’s largest home improvement retailer Tuesday morning posted second quarter sales of $26.5 billion, up 6.6% from the second quarter a year ago. Comparable store sales were up 4.7%, and up 5.4% in the U.S.   Net earnings were $2.4 billion, up from $2.2 billion.  

Restoration Hardware has few equals — and spares no expense — when it comes to creating luxurious retail destinations.     The luxury home furnishings retailer’s newest store, at The Gallery at Town Center Plaza, Leawood, Kansas, represents the latest iteration of its next-generation design galleries. The three-level, 56,000-sq.-ft. store includes an entire floor dedicated to the brand’s new concept, RH Modern, complete with an integrated RH Contemporary Art Gallery.  

Hhgregg announced several key executive appointments. The news comes on the heels of the appointment of interim CEO Robert Riesbeck as permanent chief of the consumer electronics and appliance retailer.    The moves include the promotion of former VP of marketing and nine-year company veteran Chris Sutton to senior VP of marketing, with oversight for all marketing initiatives as well as Hhgregg’s growing e-commerce channel. Sutton previously worked in advertising and brand marketing for The Walt Disney Company.  

Gary Friedman, CEO of Restoration Hardware, is not denying reports that the ultra-luxury home furnishings company may one day sell fully designed and outfitted homes.

At Home on Friday started trading its shares on the New York Stock Exchange.    The Plano, Texas-based retailer has been growing its store base at a rate of 20% annually for the last three years, reported the Dallas Morning News. It now operate 115 stores in 29 states across the South and Midwest.     

Thanks to homeowners who are sitting on their houses and Millennials who are starting to buy some, Home Depot CEO Craig Menear sees a rosy revenue picture ahead for home centers. 

Hhgregg has completed its search for a permanent CEO by giving interim chief Robert Riesbeck the long-term nod.   Riesbeck has held the interim title since February, when then-CEO Dennis May tendered his resignation. Now, with the top position becoming permanent, Riesbeck will give up his CFO title and the company will launch a new search for a replacement.