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Lowe’s second-quarter financial report was a disappointment to the company’s executives, who made no excuses for the retailer’s poor showing. Earnings were down slightly, revenues grew by only 1.3%, and comp-store sales were essentially flat. “Even after taking into account the challenges of the macro-environment, we are still not pleased with our performance this year,” said chairman and CEO Robert Niblock, speaking at an analysts’ conference call on Aug. 15.

ErgoDig announced the introduction of a comprehensive collection of ergonomic, ash wood-handled lawn and garden tools. 

Each of the 40 garden tools in the line features a wooden handle with an angle at a degree consistent with the human arm, the company said. 

In addition to glossy case studies of growing members, Chicago-based True Value Co.'s freshly released 2010 Annual Report forecasts a sixth straight "consistent patronage dividend" in 2011.

The report's letter to retailers, co-signed by CEO Lyle Heidemann and chairman Brian Webb, also forecasts about 40 line reviews this year. Another forecast is for an additional 1.25 million sq. ft. of Destination True Value retail space, up from the 900,000 sq. ft. that was added in 2010.

Danks, the hardware wholesaler that Lowe's and Woolworths took over last year, acquired Canberra, Australia-based Magnet Mart.

The five Magnet Mart stores, which are located in Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, will be operated by Danks as company-owned stores and will retain their name.

Orlando, Fla. -- Record attendance, international growth and an overhaul of Vision 21 were just some of the topics covered during the morning merchandising and consumer marketing presentation at the 2010 Ace Fall Convention Oct. 28. 

The event, held at the Orange County Convention Center, saw an increase of more than 600 members in attendance over the 2009 Fall Convention, the company said. Total attendance, including vendors and dealers, approximated 14,000.