Atlanta-based The Home Depot reported first-quarter sales of $19.1 billion, up 7.4% from last year's quarter, which had one less week. 

On a like-for-like basis, comparable-store sales for the first quarter were positive 4.3%. U.S. stores comps were positive 4.8%, also on a like-for-like basis.

Sears Holdings posted a net loss of $279 million in the first quarter, compared to earnings of $189 million in the same quarter last year. 

Revenue from merchandise sales and services declined 8.8% to $8.45 billion. 

Oak Brook, Ill.-based Ace Hardware reported first-quarter revenues of $923.2 million, up 1.7% from the same quarter in 2012.

Net income of $4.4 million was down from $10.2 million earned in 2012.

Insolroll Window Shading Systems, of Louisville, Colo., announced a recall of its Insolroll Solar Powered and Rechargeable Motor Roller Shades due to a fire hazard. 

The voluntary recall affectes about 1,500 units sold at independent window covering installer retailers nationwide from June 2012 through March 2013 for $400 to $700 per window shade. 

The Parr Lumber Co. board of directors has appointed James Boyer president of the company and its subsidiaries. 

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization during a rapidly evolving and exciting time in our industry,” said Boyer. “The Parr Co., the customers and partners have been such an important part of my life; I am looking forward to the new role and additional opportunities to serve this company and the customers.”

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule is the subject of a bill in the House.

Congressman Tim Murphy (R-Pa.) and 21 co-sponsors introduced a bill in the House of Representatives that was crafted to reduce the burden of the regulation. 

Research from Port Washington, N.Y.-based NPD Group shows that in the 12 months ended March 2013, sales of home beverage appliances were more than $2.6 billion.

Home beverage appliances include home soda machines, single-serve coffeemakers, drip coffeemakers, espresso makers, countertop blenders, juice extractors, citrus juicers and tea makers.

Mooresville, N.C.-based Lowe’s reported net earnings of $540 million for the quarter ended May 3, 2013, a 2.5% increase over the same period a year ago. 

Sales for the quarter decreased 0.5% to $13.1 billion from $13.2 billion in the year-ago quarter. Comparable-store sales for the quarter decreased 0.7%. 

Saddle Brook, N.J.-based Arrow Fastener Co., manufacturer of manual and electric staples, nail guns, and glue and rivet tools, has named Roberto Izaguirre as VP sales.

STAFDA’s 37th Annual Convention & Trade Show, coming to Las Vegas Nov. 11-13, will feature a distinguished panel of stars from the world of sports during its General Session.

ESPN’s Roy Firestone will interview Terry Bradshaw, Jim Calhoun and Tony LaRussa during the session on team building, leadership and motivation.

Benjamin Moore joined with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's Williamsburg brand to launch The Williamsburg Color Collection by Benjamin Moore.

The new 144-color palette is “described as an assortment of paint colors authentically rooted in the history of our nation and its founding.” It also represents a mixture of colors from the 18th and 19th century, along with advanced paint technology from Benjamin Moore.