Lowe’s Cos. today reported net earnings of US$1.1 billion for the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2025, compared with $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. During the fourth quarter, the company recognized an $80 million pre-tax gain associated with the 2022 sale of the Canadian retail business.

Total sales for the quarter were $18.6 billion, flat with Q4 sales a year earlier. Comp sales increased 2.0 percent, driven by high-single-digit pro and online comp sales, strong holiday performance, and rebuilding efforts following recent hurricanes affecting various U.S. markets.

For the full year, net sales were US$83.67 billion, down 2.5 percent from US$86.73 billion in the previous fiscal year.

Home Hardware Stores Ltd. has announced the conversion of a store in Indian Head, Sask., to the Home Hardware banner. The 8,000 square-foot retail space is owned by Maulik, Bhautikaben, and Rishabkumar Patel, who purchased the location in 2023. Formerly with Ace, they plan to expand their product selection under their new banner.

Walmart in the U.S. has launched a program whereby it sends products to approved customers to try out in their homes. Taking a page from Canadian Tire Corp., which has operated its Tested for Life in Canada program here for many years, Walmart is letting certain vendors provide products to the retailer’s “Customer Spark” community, which was formed in 2018 as a target group to fill out shopper surveys.

The Home Depot reported its fourth-quarter and year-end results this morning.

Sales for the fourth quarter reached US$39.7 billion, an increase of 14.1 percent from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. Comp sales for the quarter increased 0.8 percent, with comps in the U.S. up 1.3 percent. Q4 net earnings were $3.0 billion, up from US$2.8 billion a year earlier.

Sales for fiscal 2024 were up 4.5 percent to US$159.5 billion. Comp sales for fiscal 2024 decreased 1.8 percent.

At last week’s Orgill market in New Orleans, Canucks from all over this country gathered at a local Cajun restaurant for beer and alligator bites. Hardlines’ own Michael McLarney took a moment to recognize the value and strength of Canada-U.S. relations. Everyone in the room that night either works for, supplies to, or is a customer of Memphis-based Orgill—with relationships that rise above politics.

BMR Group hosted its annual contractors’ evening last week. Using the slogan, “Tailgate Party,” the event’s sports-themed activities helped foster a festive atmosphere at the Centrexpo Promutuel Assurance in Drummondville, Que. The event drew some 800 dealers and contractors, as well as the 43 exhibiting suppliers. Vendors that participated included Resisto, BP Canada, Sika, Isolofoam, Next polymers, DeWalt, Metaltech Scaffolding, Alexandria Moulding, and Owens Corning.

The Retail Council of Canada’s STORE Conference will be held this year at the Toronto Congress Centre June 3 and 4. The event brings together retail leaders, innovators, and changemakers to address the big challenges facing the global retail sector, and with a distinct Canadian perspective. Register now to take advantage of early bird pricing because it ends Feb. 28.

(Click here for more info and to get special pricing that will save you $200.)

Canadian lumber producers are awaiting a decision from the U.S. Commerce Department on preliminary rates for anti-dumping duties on softwood lumber. Currently, most producers are paying 7.66 percent, but trade observers say that figure could rise to 20 percent. A preliminary increase on countervailing duties is expected in May. It could see those rates rise to 10 percent from the 6.74 percent in effect at present.

Napoleon has taken out a full-page ad in The Toronto Star urging Canadian consumers to choose domestic products as trade disputes with the U.S. heat up. The letter expresses disappointment at the U.S. government’s aggressive tariff strategy.

“As the economy faces uncertainty, we invite you to join us in strongly supporting not only Napoleon but all Canadian businesses,” it continues. Napoleon president Mike Tzimas told CTV News the company is “completely focused on keeping everybody employed.”

TIMBER MART is seeking a procurement manager, reporting to the VP of procurement, who will be responsible for selecting products and suppliers within their assigned categories of products. They will also oversee product category review and analysis and develop strategic plans for product selection and competitive pricing. For more details, check out our Classifieds page!