Hardware Stores

Oak Brook, Ill. -- The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 U.S. Home Improvement Retailer Store Satisfaction Study again ranked Ace Hardware “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores.” Ace has held this position since the organization began researching the home improvement category five years ago.

ELMHURST, Ill. — The Chamberlain Group, a manufacturer of access control products, has announced two promotions. Dick Gregory has been promoted to VP Chamberlain retail sales, and Anthony Abate has been appointed marketing channel manager for retail national accounts.

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Sears Holdings announced that Sam Solomon has joined the company as SVP and president of its tools business.  Solomon is responsible for developing and driving growth and profit opportunities for one of the company's cornerstone businesses, the company reported.  He was recently CEO and president of The Coleman Company Inc.  

CHICAGO — True Value has announced that a new chief information officer has joined the company. Rosaelee Hermens will serve as True Value’s new CIO, in addition to being an officer of the company, effective last Monday, May 9.

Atlanta-based Home Depot reported first quarter earnings of $812 million, up 12% from earnings of $725 million in the first quarter last year.

Sales declined 0.2% to $16.8 billion, while comparable store sales were negative 0.6%. Comp-store sales for stores in the United States were negative 0.7%.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe's Cos. said Monday its first-quarter profit fell 6%, due in part by bad weather and difficult economic conditions. The chain cut its full-year outlook.

Lowe's reported net income of $461 million for the three months ended April 29, down from $489 million a year earlier. Its results missed estimates. Revenue fell 2% to $12.19 billion. Same-store sales were down 3.3%.

The country's second largest home center chain posted sales of $12.2 billion in its first quarter ended April 29. That's down 1.6% as the one-two punch of bad weather and weak economy took its toll.

The company's earnings also declined -- down 5.7% to to $461 million. Comparable store sales were down 3.3%.

TOWSON, Md. —  Black & Decker has introduced its new Steam-Mop featuring trademarked SmartSelect technology that enables users to use the mop on a variety of floor types. When the right setting is chosen the mop will release the required amount of steam needed to clean the floor.

The mop works with regular tap water, thus eliminating the need for harsh chemicals, the company reported. According to Black & Decker, this mop can kill  99.9 percent of germs to achieve a clean home the all-natural way.