Formed by the 1997 merger of Cotter & Company (which supplied the True Value chain) and ServiStar Coast to Coast, the retailer-owned hardware cooperative serves more than 5,000 retail outlets in some 55 countries. Stores offer home improvement and garden supplies, as well as appliances, housewares, sporting goods, and toys. In addition to the flagship True Value banner, members operate under the names of Taylor Rental, Grand Rental Station, Home & Garden Showplace, and Induserve Supply, among others. True Value also manufactures its own brand of paints. To survive against home improvement giants such as The Home Depot and Lowe's, True Value (formerly TruServ) is relying on the true value of service.

Most businesses get started small, and this is also true of ODL. Our roots sprang forth during World War II in 1945, as a small business in Cy Mulder's home. From that we grew into Art Craft Novelty shop in a humble brick building in Zeeland, Michigan. More than 65 years later, that small company has grown to become an industry leader thanks in part to the innovations we have introduced. ODL prides itself not only on manufacturing first-rate products, but knowing where our products have a place in the market. We understand our customer's desires and we are proud to live up to our motto: Building Value into Building Products®.

Euphoria was founded by president and CEO Bob Bury in 1980.Euphoria Chocolate Company makes those little sweets that bring you joy. It prepares its chocolate candy on location at several retail stores and a factory outlet store in Eugene, Oregon. Well known for its wide variety of truffles (available in Grand Marnier, hazelnut, raspberry, and toasted almond flavors, to name a few), the company also offers its chocolates to non-locals through its Web site.

Shoppers Food Warehouse founded in 1949 as Jumbo Food Stores, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy is owned by food wholesaler and retailer SUPERVALU.Shoppers Food & Pharmacy offers large-scale, one-stop shopping to customers in Baltimore; Washington, DC; and northern Virginia under the Shoppers Food & Pharmacy banner. Its 60-plus discount food stores average about 55,000 sq. ft. and offer a variety of products and services, including produce, baked goods, meats and seafood, salad bars, cookware, and prepared foods, among other items. The regional chain boasts more than 30,000 everyday low prices with no loyalty card needed. Shoppers is one of the largest supermarket operators in the Washington, DC, metro area, trailing Giant Food and Safeway.

Raymond Building Supply Corporation was founded in 1957. Raymond Building Supply operates several commercial lumber and building materials stores in southwest Florida. Products include pressure-treated lumber, millwork, plywood, and trusses. Raymond Building Supply Corporation also has Andersen windows, doors, hardware, cabinetry, and appliances in stock and on request for residential, commercial, and institutional needs. Raymond Building Supply sells to home builders and contractors throughout southwest Florida.

Liberty Plc aims to deliver a liberal dose of luxury to London's shoppers. The firm operates a high-end department store on London's Regent Street under the Liberty banner. The landmark Tudor revival style emporium offers fashion-forward men's and women's apparel, shoes and accessories, beauty products, home goods, and other sundries and services. About a third of its revenue is generated by Liberty Art Fabrics, which designs, makes, and distributes high-quality, avant-garde textiles. Founded in 1875 by Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the firm has had a historic relationship with Japan and objects from that area.

Saks Incorporated began as Proffitt’s, Inc. with just five Proffitt’s stores in metropolitan Knoxville, Tennessee. Proffitt's, Inc. became a public company in June 1987. From 1994 to 1998, we added McRae’s, Parisian, Younkers, Herberger's, and Carson Pirie Scott & Co. (which included Bergner's and Boston Store) as well as 32 additional stores from Lovemans, Hess, Parks-Belk, and Brody’s, which were converted into existing store nameplates.

JLP has several manufacturing subsidiaries that make wooden furniture, and bedding; its 4,000-acre Leckford Estate in Hampshire grows apples, pears, mushrooms, and produces milk, poultry, and eggs for sale in Waitrose supermarkets. JLP has an online shopping service, John Lewis Direct, and its employee pension plan owns about 24% of Internet grocer Ocado, which delivers Waitrose products.What began as a London drapery shop is today one of the UK's largest retailers -- and arguably its most oddly organized. John Lewis Partnership (JLP) runs about 30 John Lewis department stores and some 235 Waitrose supermarkets, primarily in London and southern England, but also in Scotland and Wales.

Women and men looking to make their mark on fashion and their health without leaving the house shop with AmeriMark Holdings. Through its direct marketing subsidiaries, the company offers women's apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and jewelry, as well as health-related items. The AmeriMark Direct subsidiary sells wares via its website and more than a half-dozen catalogs, including Anthony Richards, Beauty Boutique, Complements, Essentials, Healthy Living, Time for Me, FeelGood Store, and Windsor Collection. Its Dr. Leonard's Healthcare subsidiary reaches customers through the Dr. Leonard's and Carol Wright Gifts catalogs. With roots reaching back to 1969, AmeriMark is owned by private equity firm JH Partners.

Founded in 1998, Service Partners acquired some 40 businesses before being purchased itself by Masco in 2002. If you can't stand the heat, try getting better insulation from Service Partners. Through some 55 centers in about 30 states, the firm is a leading distributor of residential fiberglass insulation and related products, including fireplaces, roofing, gutters, shelving, drywall, and acoustical ceiling material. Contractors and home improvement retailers are Service Partners' primary customers. It also runs more than a dozen laminating facilities that produce insulation for use in prefabricated buildings, as well as a training center where contractors learn how to install the company's products.

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