E-Commerce Takes Toll on Home Depot

Large hardware stores have capitalized upon th...

Home Depot Posts $54M Loss, Facing E-Commerce Competition

HomeDepot posted their first quarterly loss in over 25 years as competitionfrom smaller e-commerce firms like Exterior Solutions heated. HomeDepot expects sales to decline 9% this year, while smaller Internetrivals anticipate revenue increases.

St. Charles, Illinois (PRWEB)March 14, 2009 -- Home Depot posted a $54M dollar loss during thefourth quarter and said that they expect sales to decline 9% during theyear, despite e-retailers revenue increases. "We are anticipating atough year", said Home Depot CEO Frank Blake, while online nicheretailers such as Exterior Solutions are experiencing rapid revenuegrowth.

Exterior Solutions specializes in exterior vinyl shutters, wood shutters, vinyl window headers, sunbursts, and other siding accessories.

One of Exterior Solution's fulfillment centers in Illinois in mid-February.

Exterior Solutions recently revamped their e-commerce website to expandtheir product line and make their site easier to use. The MarketingManager at the company, Ken Clark, said "We wanted to take the sitefrom a place where people come just to transact to a site that promotesbrand loyalty".
Although Exterior Solutions is much smaller than box retailers likeHome Depot they are still able to compete in some areas. The Internetretailer offers customers customized products that would not typicallybe available at stores like Home Depot. There simply isn't enough shelfspace in a brick and mortar store. For example, Home Depot stocksexterior vinyl shutters in three or four colors and just a hand full ofsizes. Exterior Solutions offers vinyl shutters in 23 colors and anycustom size.

We are anticipating a tough year

Prices at e-retailers are often more competitive than box stores due tosales tax laws, reduced overhead at internet stores, and free shippingpolicies offered by many e-commerce stores.

Our customers are pleased said Clark. "Thank you so much for theexcellent service. My husband and I were very impressed with thequality of our shutters and the professional service we received," saidCarrie from San Diego, CA.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of thisrelease (or for a sample, copy or demo), contact Ken Clark or visit http://www.ExteriorSolutions.com.

About Exterior Solutions:
Exterior Solutions is an innovative specialty electronic retailingcompany who supplies residential building products that improve thequality and performance of homes to the building, contracting, andconsumer markets. These products include exterior shutters, sunbursts& ellipticals, window headers, door surrounds, and accessories.Exterior Solution's industry leading technologies enhance the qualityof consumer experience and add value to our services, while alsoreducing our impact on the environment.

Contact:
Ken Clark, Marketing Manager
Exterior Solutions