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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Skip to main content Investors and distribution industry leaders received the best look yet into the new QXO. That glimpse of QXO came during a presentation by founder Brad Jacobs at the Wolfe Research Annual Conference in New York. Beacon Roofing Supply served an an ideal springboard and a “smart first move," Jacobs said. “Roofing is a steady, predictable vertical, bolstered by strong long-term trends.
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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe’s reported declines in sales and earnings for its first quarter ended May 2. Comparable store sales declined 1.7 percent in the quarter, as total sales declined 2.0 percent to $20.9 billion. Net earnings declined 6.5 percent to $1.64 billion.
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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Skip to main content Arrow Fastener, a big name in tools since 1929, adopted a new name: Arrow Tool Group. The change reflects the company’s continued growth and expanded portfolio of iconic American tool brands designed for trade professionals, DIYers, and ceiling installation contractors, according to the Saddle Brook, N.J.-based company.
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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
It’s our famous line: “It takes a little more to be an All Star.”And sometimes, it takes an unusual path. Consider the case of our on-the-cover retailer, Glenn Ubertino, who along with his wife, Kim, owns the oozing-in-charm Zoller Hardware in Cashiers, North Carolina. Zoller is one of our 50 STIHL Hardware All Stars—one from each state.
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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Nichole Mitchell wears many hats at Wilson Lumber Company, based in Huntsville, Alabama. As the vice president of people and culture, she oversees all aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, employee relations, training and development, compensation and benefits, health and safety, and culture and engagement. Company culture is increasingly important, especially to the next generation.
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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
The world’s largest home improvement retailer says it met expectations in the first quarter ended May 4, despite unfavorable weather that limited traffic and high interest rates that deter to big-ticket spending. Revenues at The Home Depot increased 9.4 percent to $39.856 billion compared to the same quarter last year. Comps in the U.S. increased 0.2 percent for the three months, and were up 1.8 percent in April.
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2 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Do it Best acquired United Hardware in early 2024, and followed that move with the blockbuster acquisition of True Value out of bankruptcy in November. In March of this year, the three companies held their first combined market. Thompson will report to Do it Best President Nick Talarico. “Marianne shares our vision and passion for supporting the success of independent dealers in their local communities,” said Talarico.
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3 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Case in point: Joe Taylor, the president and CEO of Virginia-based Taylor’s Do it Center & Pleasants Hardware wrote an open letter objecting to the Weber deal. Taylor is also chairman of the board of Fort Wayne, Indiana-based Do it Best. Weber, one of the world’s largest grill manufacturers, struck an exclusive deal in the convenience hardware channel with Oak Brook, Illinois-based Ace Hardware Corp. and its Emery Jensen Distribution division. The exclusive distribution arrangement will kick in Dec.
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3 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
Skip to main content The Producer Price Index declined 0.5 percent in April, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, of the 10 key commodities in the hardware and building supply space tracked below, only two (millwork and plywood) index lower compared to a year ago. And only one (plywood) declined from March to April. The softwood lumber index increased 8.6 percent year-over-year. A month ago, the increase was 12.6 percent.
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3 weeks ago | 
hbsdealer.com | Ken Clark
In late December, HBSDealer’s poll question looked ahead into 2025 and asked “what is your sales forecast for 2025?”The most popular answer was “up 1% to 5%,” which had 41 percent of the votes. That was followed by “Up 5% to 10%,” at 24 percent. You can see the results here. Looking back at the last four months, the industry has considered heavily the ups-and-downs of the tariff situation, and the ensuing uncertainty. Against that backdrop, the timing is right to revisit those forecasts.
