Hardware Stores

Acme Tools, a leading authorized online retailer of tools and equipment, has launched its new mobile version of AcmeTools.com for online customers using smartphones.  

Developed by BlueSky Technology Partners, the new mobile platform leverages Acme Tools' ongoing investment in IBM WebSphere Commerce to deliver a seamless online shopping experience regardless of how customers choose to browse and buy.

Tractor Supply this week promoted Lee Downing to EVP, store operations. In conjunction with his promotion, Downing will assume added leadership responsibilities for the company's real estate team.

Downing will also be responsible for the strategic new store site selection, facilitation of store openings and ongoing maintenance, in addition to other real estate functions. He joined Tractor Supply October 2010 as SVP, store operations.

Around the globe, sellers from country A who promote their products as “Made in country A” are quick to point out that country A products are known for their quality, even by buyers from country C.

Brentwood, Tenn. -- Tractor Supply Company announced that Lee Downing has been promoted to executive VP store operations, effective April 14. In conjunction with his promotion, he will assume added leadership responsibilities for the company's real estate team.

In addition to leading the store operations and store support administration teams, Downing will be responsible for the strategic new store site selection, facilitation of store openings and ongoing maintenance, in addition to other real estate functions.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Several Sears Outlet stores across the country have new owners. Locations in Oceanside, Ontario, and Corona, Calif., are now owned by Tony Lutfi. Lutfi and his team now own and operate 11 Sears Outlet stores, 17 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms and three Sears Appliance & Hardware Stores.

In addition, Sears Outlet stores Tempe and Gilbert, Ariz. have a new owner, Keith Edquist. Edquist also owns another Sears Outlet store and seven Sears Home Appliance Showrooms.

Phoenix — Leslie’s Poolmart has announced plans to open 22 retail locations across the country on April 11. The new stores will open in these cities:

• Gilbert and Tucson, Ariz.
• Anaheim, Corona, Costa Mesa, Menifee, Riverside and Sylmar, Calif.
• Bradenton, Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Fla.
• Marietta and Snellville, Ga.
• Mishawaka, Ind.
• Houma and Lake Charles, La.
• Mooresville, N.C.
• Miamisburg, Ohio
• Lancaster, Pa.

Atlanta – The Home Depot's fifth annual Spring Black Friday starts April 3. For the next 11 days, prices on hundreds of spring products will be significantly reduced, including a variety of live goods, soils, mulches and lawn care supplies; outdoor power tools; gardening products; patio and grills.

"This spring and every season, The Home Depot aims to bring the latest tools to market to make the to-do list easier and simpler," said Dana Hudson, The Home Depot senior merchant.

Lille, France – French home improvement retailer Leroy Merlin, a banner of Adeo Group, will install Pricer's electronic shelf label (ESL) system in all of its 121 stores by the end of 2015. Thirty -five store installations are planned for 2014 and the remainder during 2015.

The project value is estimated at more than $20 million. Leroy Merlin will roll out a mix of Pricer's economical segment-based ESLs along with featured graphic E-Paper-based labels throughout its stores.