Wal-Mart joined with a large union and a liberal think tank on Tuesday to endorse the idea of an employer mandate in health care reform, setting the major retailer apart from most other businesses.The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) hosted its semi-annual Board of Directors meeting this week in Washington DC. Robert A. Niblock, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Lowe's Companies, Inc. also serves as Chairman of the RILA Board of Directors.RILA opposes legislation that wou... Read Full Story

"Pay of Lowe's CEO rises 11% during a down year" Source: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/622541.html"Lowe's chairman and CEO Robert Niblock saw his compensation rise in 2008, despite a difficult year in which the Mooresville-based home improvement retailer's earnings declined 22 percent""Niblock received $6.6 million in total compensation, up 11 percent from $5.9 million the previous year, according to a proxy statement filed late Tuesday&q... Read Full Story

Larry Stone, as quoted on 5/18/09's Conf. Call: "One example is our cost reduction initiative, where there are multiple efforts underway to drive down costs. On that front, we have recently rolled out a new automated spend management system for expense purchases that will provide cost savings, enhanced controls, as well as automated processing for all non-merchandising purchases""The primary purpose of this tool is to provide cost control and management approval for ex... Read Full Story

NepotismOne thing I didn't mention is nepotism. Its pretty bad at the Executive level. Many of Lowe's Executives (past and present) are the offspring or relatives of previous Lowe's Executives from back in the day. While some are good people, a few achieved their status and power at Lowe's mainly because of who they are/were related to. Ask yourself this... We all know that Lowe's has a terrible computer system. We all know this. It's fact. Then ask... Read Full Story

Bunker CharlesOP-ED on RedAprons.comMay 12,2009Ask any Lowe's Corporate Executive why Lowe's Associates are forced to clean the store restrooms and they will tell you because "it's not in the budget". Or "we have to cut back and save on expenses where we can".Then how can Lowe's still afford the give-a-ways of millions of dollars at the same time? Something doesn't jive here!What is more important to you Mr. Robert Niblock?Some new playgr... Read Full Story

Bunker's Commentary (One man's opinion, we all have one)Important Dates:Monday, May. 18, 2009 - Lowe's (Q1, 2009) Earnings are released.   -LINK-Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - Home Depot's (Q1, 2009) Earnings are released.   -LINK- What to watch for:  COMPS! On the last earnings report comparisons, it appeared that Home Depot was trending to be able to out perform Lowe's in Comparable ("Comp") sales increases in the... Read Full Story

http://www.zimbio.com/Lowe's+Home+Improvement+WarehouseCheck back for updates! Read Full Story

http://homedepotnews.blogspot.com/ OBB Members. I am building a website that will offer daily news stories on the Home Depot. I also included a link on there to OBB. I hope you don't mind. In the next few weeks, I will be adding lot's of new content. Any feedback good or bad would be appreciated! http://orangebloodbank.org Read Full Story

Our old winter friend has shown it's face in Pennsylvania for the first time in many months. We got our first snow flurries today. Turn up the heat and let's hope this financial crisis keeps driving down heating oil costs. Now is the time I start craving the warm, heavy comfort foods. Forget about the salads, fruits and light sandwiches of summer. Break out the meat, potatoes, gravy and something to mop it all up with like a biscuit or some buttered bread. Now I'm off to the store... Read Full Story

From what I am reading on Lowe's Red Apron and other Lowe's forums. Lowe's last week, has really tightened down the payroll plan. And as a company has issued a "hiring freeze" that will most likely not thaw until after Feb. 2009.Even some of Lowe's consistently strong markets are now being negatively impacted by the financial crisis panic that has spread world wide over the past month. Also, I'm certain Lowe's management will use this period of payroll reduct... Read Full Story