Hardware Stores

Brentwood, Texas -- Tractor Supply Co. said Thursday it approved a $600 million stock buyback program, increases its existing share buyback program to $1 billion. The program was established in February 2007, and is extended through April 30, 2015.

The chain said it will also increase its quarterly cash dividend to 12 cents per share.

Jacksonville, Fla. -- Atlanta-based Newmark Knight Frank Capital Group said it has been retained as exclusive marketing agent for Crossroads Square, a 174,153-sq.-ft. neighborhood retail center in Jacksonville, Fla.

Anchor tenants at Crossroads Square include Floor & Décor, Office Depot, Harbor Freight Tools and Dollar General.

In a move to boost its competitive footing against the warehouse home centers, Ace Hardware Corp. is planning a paint-and-primer-in-one launch later this year.

Ace executives describe the paint as a "flagship new product" by providing convenience and ease of application. The branding of the new product will be unveiled when the launch occurs, possibly during the third quarter of this year.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Sears announced that it has launched the Sears Blue Tool Crew "Do It Together" program to honor unsung heroes who use their tools and talents for the greater good of the community. According to Sears DIT is the national expansion of the "Unsung Heroes: Dads Making a Difference" Father's Day initiative that recognized dads across the country in 2010.  

Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. announced the appointment of new merchandise managers to replace three retiring managers, effective April 1, 2011.

The co-op appointed Gary Loosle for lawn and garden – green goods, Josh Meyer for paint and sundries, and Chris Steinlicht for rental and store supplies.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe's announced that it will donate $1 million to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief effort that is assisting victims in Japan. The company said that customers who want to help Lowe's support Japan relief efforts can do so by making a donation on Lowes.com and Lowe’s Canada website, Lowes.ca. Money donated will go to the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross.

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%.