Home Improvement

Las Vegas -- Those familiar blue composite panels are going up in Las Vegas.

Ikea announced that steel framing has progressed far enough that installation of the iconic blue panels has begun on its future Las Vegas store. Installing the blue panels is a construction milestone that ensures the 351,000-sq.-ft. store will open summer 2016, and it reflects the unique architectural design for which Ikea stores are known worldwide.

New York -- He very well may be the oldest employee in the United States. And Walmart has him.

Minneapolis – Target Corp. is reportedly planning to expand upon existing solar plans for its North Carolina store base. According to the Charlotte Business Journal, Target has added eight stores to the existing 19 stores in the state it plans to equip with rooftop solar panels.

Rite Aid stores are hoping to attract more back-to-school shoppers with a new assortment of supplies, including affordable electronics and dorm room decor.

“We know that students and parents are looking for a stress-free and seamless transition as summer winds down and the new school year starts,” said Tony Montini, Rite Aid executive vice president of merchandising. “With our 4,600 convenient locations, large assortment of products and great prices, our customers will find everything they need to succeed and stand out this school year.”

Brentwood, Tenn. – Tractor Supply Company met Wall Street expectations with profit growth that was part of an overall bountiful financial harvest in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. Net income rose 15% to $153.3 million from $133.4 million the same period a year earlier, aided by selling, general and administrative expenses, which stayed flat as a percentage of increasing sales.  

The CEO of Tractor Supply Company credited strong marketing and merchandising initiatives with a significant increase in same store sales in the second quarter.

The Home Depot Inc. is spending about $1.6 billion in an acquisition squarely aimed at better meeting the needs of its professional customers.

Atlanta - The Home Depot Inc. is spending about $1.6 billion in an acquisition squarely aimed at better meeting the needs of its professional customers.

The retailer is purchasing Jacksonville, Florida-based Interline Brands Inc., a national distributor and direct marketer of broad-line maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products.