Home Improvement

When evaluating the flooring in a new store or a remodel, installation is key.  Meet Mark Chichak with Halex Corp., who discusses how a company that doesn’t make the flooring – but, rather makes the installation materials and tools – can be a key partner in creating solutions for faster, easier and more profitable ways to build and remodel stores.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Sears Holdings Corp. with a 2015 Energy Star Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award. Sears Holdings, an Energy Star partner since 1998, will be honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency.

Revolving doors can provide measurable ROI for retail and hospitality – way beyond the widely recognized energy savings from reduced air infiltration.  Meet Mark Perkins with Boon Edam, as he discusses revolving-door ROI, branding, the use of existing space, loss prevention and more.

Leslie’s Poolmart Inc. plans to make a splash in select cities this month as it opens 15 new retail locations throughout the United States on April 9.

During the store grand openings between April 9 and April 13, customers will receive 20% off most everything in the store. Each store's grand opening will also be celebrated with a ribbon cutting and other events.

99 Cents Only Stores is accelerating its expansion plan with several new stores planned for 2015.

The retailer just opened nearly 10 new stores this week in California, and plans to open more later this year.

The company says it will celebrate its store openings this week in California by selling flat screen LCD TVs for only 99 cents to the first nine customers in line on Grand Opening Day. The next 99 customers in line on opening day may purchase an iron for only 99 cents. Other 99 cent deals will follow for additional customers.

Despite bad publicity from a “60 Minutes” report alleging carcinogens in some of the hardwood it sells, Lumber Liquidators increased sales in the first quarter of 2015.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- C.B. Kuzlik, a 20-year veteran of the paving industry, has founded Let’s Pave, which is focused on buyers of commercial and industrial pavement services and solutions nationwide. The company is different from other national service providers, according to Kuzlik, in that it treats paving services and pavement management as separate specialties — offering one or the other, but never both to the same client.  

Stoughton, Mass. -- Ikea has gone live with the expanded solar energy array atop its store that opened nine years ago in Stoughton, Massachusetts. The 51,516-sq.-ft. solar panel addition consists of a 318-kW system built with 1,248 panels, and will produce 385,900 kWh more of electricity annually for the store. It sits atop a 58,575-sq.-ft. store extension completed last summer.