Hardware Stores

For the past two months, New England has been dealing with an historically snowy, cold winter. As a lifelong resident of the region, I have had time to reflect on a few technology-related lessons retailers can take from my experience as a snowbound consumer.

Factor the Weather into your Planning

Ace Hardware’s formula of localizing merchandise and offering individualized customer service is continuing to pay off for the hardware retail cooperative.

The company reported record revenues, profits and patronage for fiscal 2014. Ace had revenues of $4.7 billion, an increase of $546.3 million or 13%. Revenues increased $496.9 million or 12% as compared to fiscal 2013. Net income was $140.9 million for fiscal 2014, an increase of $36.4 million or 34.8%, from fiscal 2013.

Brentwood, Tenn. - Tractor Supply Company has increased its domestic store growth target to 2,500 stores from 2,100 stores and its long-term operating margin target to 11.5% from 10.5%. The company is basing this enhanced guidance on the positive effects of key sales and gross margin initiatives, along with ongoing system enhancements such as demand planning, inventory allocation, and price optimization

Despite weak sales and possible criminal charges from the Department of Justice, Lumber Liquidators Inc. plans to keep its aggressive expansion plans in 2015

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. reported net earnings of $450 million for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 30, a 47.0% increase over the year-ago period. Sales for the quarter increased 7.6% to $12.5 billion, up from $11.7 billion in the year-ago quarter.

Home Depot posted a better-than-expected fourth quarter performance, but warned that a strong dollar could hurt its results for the year.

The retailer posted an 8.3% increase in sales to $19.2 billion, and fourth quarter net earnings were up 36.1% to $1.38 billion. Same store sales for the quarter were positive 7.9%, and positive 8.9% for U.S. stores.

Tractor Supply Company is marching ahead with plans for growth in 2015 by opening its 1,400th store.

The Eunice, La., location is scheduled to hold its grand opening celebration on Feb. 21, moving the retailer well past its Dec. 27 reading of 1,382 stores.

Brentwood, Texas -- Tractor Supply Company will open its 1,400th store, in Eunice, Louisiana, on Feb. 21. The location is one 110 to 115 new stores the retailer plans to open this year.

"We are thrilled to be celebrating another milestone in Tractor Supply's growth story, with the opening of our 1,400thstore," said president and CEO Greg Sandfort. "We believe there is still tremendous expansion potential ahead, and we are excited for the opportunity to serve the rural lifestyle in new markets."