The Home Depot (NYSE: HD) is an American-based retailer of home improvement and construction products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, it is the largest retailer of home improvement products in the world, providing a wide range of goods and services for both professionals and do-it-yourself consumers. The Home Depot employs more than 325,000 people and operates 2,000 big-box format stores across the United States (including the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands), Canada, and Mexico. The company also operates EXPO Design Center stores in select American markets, providing high-end home design products and services, and 10 Crescent Lane, an online home-furnishings store.

History

Home Depot stores are large, averaging 109,000 ft² (10,000 m²) and warehouse-style, stocking a large range of supplies. The company color is a bright orange (PMS 165, CMYK 60M100Y), on signs, equipment and employee aprons.

The company was founded in 1978 in Atlanta, Georgia by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank after the two quit their positions at Handy Dan, and grew rapidly, with sales topping $1 billion annually by 1986.

In 2000, Marcus and Blank retired. Robert (Bob) L. Nardelli became chairman, president & chief executive officer of The Home Depot. He had previously spent almost 30 years at General Electric, his career culminating as president and CEO of GE Power Systems.

The Home Depot today

Its 2005 sales totaled US$81.5 billion. Despite the 11% increase in revenue, it dropped one spot to #14 on the 2006 FORTUNE magazine's FORTUNE 500 list (it was #13 in 2005 on $73.1 billion sales in 2004). The Home Depot also owns EXPO Design Center, a chain of higher-end home decorating and appliance stores. In 2006, The Home Depot acquired Hughes Supply which is to be assimilated into HD Supply serving contractors. In September 2005, Home Depot Direct launched its high-end online home-furnishings store, 10 Crescent Lane, shortly followed by the launch of Paces Trading Company, its high-end online lighting store. In mid 2006, Home Depot acquired Home Decorator's Collection which was placed as an additional brand under its Home Depot Direct Division. Complaints have been made stating that Home Depot's credit division has been known for being sexist and discriminatory, and criminal charges will be pending if restitution is not made.

Home Decor Depot: All At Great Prices