Home Depot reiterated its commitment to pros while highlighting initiatives targeted at the group during a media event in Las Vegas at the International Builders’ Show. The retailer highlighted its distribution service initiative and several time-saving, financially-flexible options it offers pros to enhance its services for this segment of its clientele. Home Depot’s definition of pro includes remodelers and builders, as well as maintenance, repair, and operating supply workers.
The retailer highlighted its delivery service program, an initiative rolled out during the second quarter of 2018. The program includes express same-day and next-day delivery for over 20,000 items in 35 metro areas across the U.S. The program is part of the retailer’s five-year plan to expand its delivery offerings for both DIY and pro customers. The plan includes the goal of reaching 90% of the U.S. population with same-day or next-day delivery capabilities for many bulkier product offerings, CEO Craig Menear said on the company’s third quarter earnings report conference call. The investment into direct fulfillment centers includes plans for more than 100 further distribution sites for the retailer.
In the early rollout of the delivery program, with the capacity to reach over 40% of the population, pros have become more engaged as the truck delivery options get larger, according to the company. Senior vice president of store operations said flatbed delivery systems have been pro-focused and pro-oriented on the company’s third quarter earnings call.
At the event, Home Depot representatives highlighted the wide range of tool product offerings trusted by many pros. The retailer currently offers Ryobi, Ridgid, Milwaukee Tools, DeWalt, Makita, and Bosch lines of power tools. The retailer also highlighted its pro-optimized omni-channel model of 2,000 stores and more than 90 Interline distribution centers, with account management tools such as receipt tracking for added convenience.
Representatives also highlighted the personalized bulk pricing it offers pros for bulk orders and the incentives it provides to pros for their loyalty through the Pro Xtra program. The retailer also offers pros specialized lines of credit and customized invoicing options, according to representatives at the event.
The retailer also announced it had developed a beta of a B2B customer website during the second quarter of 2018 that would provide pro customers with workflow management tools, quoting tools, approval tools, and order histories. During the retailer’s second quarter earnings conference call, Bill Lennie, executive vice president of outside sales and services, said activity beyond the beta of the B2B website would occur during the fourth quarter of the year.
