Big Boxes To Duke lt Out Online

Add Home Depot and Lowe's Cos. to the growing number of businesses in search of online sales in the home improvement market.

"'W'e're going to begin testing products this year," asserted Depot's Jeftey W. Cohen. "In the meantime, we're still developing our strategy." He added that the company's online Maintenance Warehouse unit has received some "early trial usage" since its December inception.

Lowe's N. Brian Peace claimed that by mid-year the North Wilkesboro, N.C.-based company will be online selling a wide variety of merchandise, including tools, door hardware, towel bars and gardening books.

While the two giants are gening their feet wet, several smaller online retailers are busy making sales. Craig Winn, chief executive officer, Value America Inc., Charlottesville, Va., said that his company has already received online orders for faucets, door hardware, barbecues and appliances.

Of his new rivals, Winn scoffs that they have "zero chance of success"

Small Scotty's Add Lumber

Lumber is now for sale at all of Scotty's smaller hardware stores.

Stock items include basic lumber, fence panels, landscape timbers, plywood, spruce, pressure treated pine, lattice panels, and unfinished moulding.

Hardware stores, typically located in neighborhood shopping centers, make up about 4OVo of Scotty's stores. They are smaller in size and offer 10,(X)O items. The otlrcr 60Vo are larger, free-standing stores that stock some 30,(X)0 items and often feature drivethru lumberyards and nurseries.

Flood Acquires Tropitech

Tropitech Coatings & Research, Naples, Fl., has been acquired by The Flood Co.

"Flood will bring the power of its international brand and marketing expertise to Tropitech, while Tropitech will give Flood a unique product line to offer consumers and contractors in tropical and southern markets," says Flood Co. president Peter Flood.

Fran Koebert, president of Tropitech, will stay on as executive consultant for the Tropitech product line, including Spa-N-Deck, a clear against companies such as his that "focus 1007o of their energies on the Web." wood finish for decks and boat docks.

Another online retailer, Superbuild. com Inc., launched its site in October. According to v.p. of business development Nicholas G. Jenkins, the Seattlebased firm will provide "a better alternative than Sunday after Sunday of crowded parking lots, massive warehouses, know-nothing clerks and return trips to the store."

So far, reviews are mixed for the still infant industry. While sales of paint-, tool-, and hardware-related merchandise appear promising, larger itemsl such as lumber, will incur expensive transportation charges, perhaps negating them as an online product. In addition, many d-i-yen enjoy browsing their favorite stores and getting a "hands-on" feel for products, a feature obviously not available over the Internet. Lastly, most shoppers want their items today, not tomorrow or next week. After all, to paraphrase the old adage, it's no fun watching paint dry!

Thq transaction marks the first major acquisition in 10 years for the privately held Flood Co., Hudson, Oh.

Veneer Industry Unites

The Fine Hardwood VeneerAssociation has merged with the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association.

The combined organization, which keeps HPVAS name and Reston, 1Va., offices, now solely represents'the indusbry, its 200 manufacturer and distributors members representing over

95% of sliced veneer production and 9OVo ofhardwood stock panel production in NorthAmerica.

"Combining these two organitations puts us in a better position to provide unified messages to Congress and the media and develop more aggressive marketing strategies for our industry," explains HPVA chairman Rick Phillips.

Fibercement Plant Sold

ABTco has agreed to sell its fibercement manufacturing plant in Roaring River, N.C., to CertainTeed Corp. CertainTeed's Fibercement Products Division, fonned eady last year, is building a facility in Whirc City, Or., to start up in the spring.

Georgia Dealerships Sold

Wrenn Handling, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., has acquired Ditch Witch of Georgia, with locations in Atlanta and Savannah.

The trenching equipment dealership will operate independently of Wrenn, with Woody Braznl, formerly with Wrenn, as general manager. Former Dirch Witch prcsident John Hall is staying on in an advisory capacity.

IHPA Studies Opportunltles

Themed '2000 Trade Opportunities," the International Wood Products Association's 43rd annual convention is set for March 17-19 tt the Saddlebrook Resort, Tampa, Fl. Sessions will focus on new markets, new strategies and new opportunities, including forest products certification/verification, expected U.S. trade policy decisions, and other emerging market trends.