Personnel Update:

Ethan Allen Interiors Inc. announced that the company has appointed Dave Moore as its VP and Chief Brand Officer.

The Hillman Group promoted Rob Lackman to the post of Exec VP Global Operations.

Lowe’s Companies announced that Michael P. McDermott has joined the company as Senior VP and General Merchandising Manager- building and maintenance, a new position.  McDermott will be responsible for the lumber & building materials, millwork, hardware & tools and rough plumbing & electrical divisions.

McCoy’s Building Supply announced that Greg Pannell, VP Merchandising and Vendor Relations has resigned after 39 years of service.  He is the holder of the sixth longest tenure at McCoy’s,

PPG Industries has appointed Kevin Braun to its post of VP Industrial Coatings, a horizontal shift from his previous role as VP Global Raw Materials and Americas Purchasing.  Braun’s new post, was enacted to replace Richard Zoulek, who left the company.

Weyerhaeuser has announced several changes to its senior management team.  Cathy Slater has been named Senior VP Oriented Strand Board, Engineered Lumber Products and Distribution.  Adrian Blocker has been named Senior VP Lumber.  Larry Burrows, senior VP Wood Products, will retire on Oct. 31, 2013.

 

Mergers and Acquisitions:

Lowe’s completed its acquisition of 72 Orchard Supply Hardware stores for some $205 million in cash.  Orchard Supply will continue to operate as a separate, standalone business, maintaining its headquarters in San Jose, Calif. The Orchard Supply stores typically measure about 36,000 square feet.

 

Industry Insight:

Tractor Supply Company announced the opening of its first store in the State of Nevada, as a part of the Company’s expansion strategy into the Western region of the country.  Nevada represents the 47th state of operation for Tractor Supply, as we continue to expand our presence in the Western region of the U.S “After successfully entering Colorado in 2012 and Arizona earlier this year, we will continue to develop our store base in this region, Tractor Supply Company plans to open 100-105 stores in 2013, and grow its square footage approximately eight percent annually toward its domestic opportunity of 2,100 stores.  The Company currently operates more than 1,223 stores, now in 47 states, including the Nevada store located at 2035 East William St. in Carson City, NV.  The Carson City store officially opened for business on September 14, 2013 and will hold its grand opening event on Saturday, September 28, 2013.