Home Depot 1999 Annual Report Download - page 13

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9
Customers can expect to discover something new in Home Depot stores with just about every
shopping trip. Our merchandising-driven organization places a priority on searching for new,
quality products at value prices. In addition, we constantly seek new service opportunities to add
value to the shopping experience. If it’s related to home improvement or maintenance, we want
customers to find it at The Home Depot.
The Home Depot continuously improves its product mix through new or expanded vendor
partnerships, and import or proprietary brand programs. Our strategy is to offer the best national
and regional brands and to supplement them with proprietary brands when we see an opportunity
to enhance assortments. By the end of fiscal 1999, all Home Depot stores offered RIDGID®benchtop
and stationary power tools and GE SmartWater water heaters – two of the latest quality products
found only at The Home Depot.
During the year, we made it easier for professional and do-it-yourself customers to complete
projects, as we continued our expansion of tool rental centers in Home Depot stores. With more
than 200 products available to rent, professional customers increasingly find Home Depot a one-
stop shop, and do-it-yourselfers are more comfortable undertaking larger or one-time projects. Tool
rental centers were in 150 stores at the end of fiscal 1999, and are expected to be in more than
350 stores by the end of fiscal 2000.
We also continued to enhance our home services programs, primarily by making the entire
process smoother for customers. The Home Depot currently offers nine core installation programs
in all of its stores, and is in the process of expanding additional installation services for roofing, vinyl
siding and replacement windows. As the population ages, we expect more customers will want
products installed for them. We’re currently the largest installer of products in the industry, but we
have less than two percent of the product installation market. Therefore, we have a significant
opportunity to continue to grow this piece of the business at a rapid rate.
wOne of the keys to The Home Depot’s
success is its constant focus on serving
customers in new and innovative ways.
The Home Depot has finalized plans to
offer a full range of major appliances in
its stores. Customers can choose from
a selection of models available in the
stores, or from more than 1,000 other
models and colors through an Intranet
kiosk system. Appliances are expected
to be available in all U.S. Home Depot
stores by the end of fiscal 2000.