Hardware Stores

ABC Supply Co. has announced the promotion of Tom Whitcomb to Customer Financial Services director for its Midwest region, based in Fitchburg, Wis.

In his new role, Whitcomb will direct all credit and collection activities for the region, which includes branches in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

San Jose, Calif.  -- Orchard Supply Hardware on Monday named Mark Baker president and CEO. Baker will also join the Orchard Supply's board.

In December the company announced it was looking for a replacement for then-CEO Rob Lynch, who resigned.  

Baker was most recently president and COO of The Scotts Miracle-Gro. Before that he worked in various roles at The Home Depot and was CEO of Gander Mountain Co.

ATLANTA -- Home Depot's fourth quarter saw positive comp-store sales for the fifth straight period. Kitchens and gardens were among the highest-performing categories.

According to Home Depot's Craig Menear, EVP merchandising, the departments that outperformed the company average were kitchens, outdoor garden, indoor garden, electrical and tools.

Comparable-store sales for the company increased 3.9% for the three months ended Jan. 30. For stores in the United States, comp sales were positive 4.8%.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe's is adding Dacor to its appliance mix in select Lowe's stores and offering Dacor for special order from the rest.

Costa Mesa, Calif.-based Dacor makes luxury kitchen appliances. Two of the standout products offered through Lowe's are the Renaissance 36-in. Gas Cooktop and the Renaissance 30-in. Single Wall Oven. 

ATLANTA -- The Home Depot announced that Bill Lennie has been named president, The Home Depot Canada, effective immediately. Lennie will replace Aaron Carmack, who is taking an extended leave of absence to attend to a personal illness.

"We are fortunate to have an executive with Bill's experience and leadership abilities who can quickly step into this critical role," said Frank Blake, chairman and CEO.  "We wish Aaron the best and look forward to his return."

TOANO, Va.  -- Lumber Liquidators announced that William Schlegel has joined the company as its chief merchandising officer, effective March 14, 2011.  In this position, Schlegel will oversee the company's merchandising, replenishment and allocation and global sourcing activities, and will report directly to Robert Lynch, president and COO.

TOWSON, Md. — Black & Decker has announced the availability of its RapidRoller paint roller. According to the company, the RapidRoller provides a convenient, easy-to-use solution for painting projects, and helps consumers complete those projects up to two times faster than with traditional rollers.

RapidRoller's features include a handle that holds and dispenses paint and an exclusive three-position pivoting roller frame that allows users to paint up to the edge, in tough-to-reach corners and narrow locations like hallways, closets and bathrooms.