Home Depot In 500 Renovations

ATLANTA—Responding to a difficult economy by increasing its focus on the customer, the Home Depot is aggressively expanding its store refreshment program, executives said at its second-quarter conference call.

After a successful six-store test program, Home Depot will reset over 100 bays in more than 500 (including all 40 in Atlanta) stores to improve the shopper experience. The company also is accelerating its $350-million store improvement plan, installing self checkout and adding call boxes. In addition, the chain will increase the number of associate hours to improve customer service, an unusual move in the fall.

“In a down market you have to get more aggressive to hold share,” said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO. “Clearly that is a priority in the second half.”