The story of Wilkinson Hardware defines DIY, and not just because the do-it-yourself trend has made the business a success and has allowed it to ride out a couple recessions. Founded in Leicester in 1930, Wilkinson Hardware Stores operates more than 330 home and garden shops throughout England and Wales. Each of its locations peddles some 25,000 products. Wilko, as the company is known, is one of the largest privately-held companies in the UK. The business is led by the founding Wilkinson family. J.K. Wilkinson founded the original store after gathering the seed money by saving £1 a week from his wages for nearly six years. Chairwoman Karin Swann is the founder's granddaughter.

Founded in 1902, Snavely Forest Products is a recognized leader in the wholesale lumber and building products industry, delivering superior material, exceptional service and market expertise to customers both near and far. With distribution facilities throughout the U.S. and import/export capabilities, Snavely is proud to partner with – and provide access to – the world's finest building materials manufacturers. Our customers are among the world's finest professional and do-it-yourself retailers, including independent dealers, homecenters, door and window shops and moulding & millwork manufacturers.Since our founding, our goal has been, and continues to be, to provide our customers access to the world's best building products. As a result of our international relationships with mills in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Pacific Rim, Western Europe, South America and South Africa we are able to offer our domestic customers the very best of the world's building materials – at competitive prices. And, Snavely Forest Products is proud to partner with manufacturers who produce quality recycled, engineered and alternative products when their environmental benefits are clearly demonstrated. Snavely Forest Products supports those suppliers who use sustainable forest management practices, which integrate the world's social, economic and environmental needs.

What's next in style is what concerns NEXT. NEXT plc sells moderately priced clothing for men, women, and children; housewares; and furniture through about 515 stores (including some 25 stand-alone NEXT Home stores) in the UK and Ireland. It also franchises 180-plus stores elsewhere in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and Turkey. NEXT targets customers in their 20s and 30s who are looking for stylish but affordable clothes to take them through the next fashion cycle. Sales comes from its retail stores, its NEXT Directory catalog and website, and Ventura, a division which provides call center and customer support services

The Foschini Group (TFG) is an investment holding company operating in the retail and financial services segments within southern Africa. The Group trades primarily in South Africa with retail turnover emanating from Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia accounting for 3,8% of the Group turnover. Comprising 14 trading brands in over 1 500 stores, the Group brings a lifestyle range of brands that are prominent household fashion brands into the retail market. TFG Apparel Supply Company manages the supply of locally made apparel and co-ordinates the merchandise sourcing, shipping and quality assurance activities. A further two trading divisions offer financial services. All the trading divisions are supported by numerous service divisions which provide centralised support services. Foschini Limited, which commenced trading in 1924, has been listed on the JSE Limited since 1 January 1941 and is regarded as one of the foremost independent chain store groups in the country. It is listed on the main board in the Consumer Services – Retail sector.

Aaron & Company was founded in the early 1900s by plumber Isadore Aaron. His grandson Jeffrey retired from in 2002, leaving the firm without an Aaron for the first time. Aaron & Company knows a thing or two about staying cool. Catering primarily to contractors in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, the wholesaler offers plumbing and HVAC supplies through half a dozen locations in the Garden State. Three of these locations house Aaron Kitchen & Bath Design Galleries, which feature complete kitchen and bathroom set-ups to help customers with building and remodeling plans. Aaron & Company is served by a single 120,000-sq.-ft. distribution center.

Ryan Automotive was founded in 1998 by owners Greg Ryan and John Kokladas. Ryan Automotive brings steel belted radials to the home of the Steelers. The Goodyear tire dealership has four locations in the Pittsburgh area: Moon Township, Kennedy Township, Crafton, and Pleasant Hills. The company offers a wide range of automobile services including air conditioning work, batteries, belt replacement, brake jobs, oil changes, shocks and struts, and transmission maintenance. It also performs vehicle inspections and service to insure compliance with Pennsylvania's auto emissions laws.

The Dress Barn, Inc. operates a chain of women's apparel and tween girls’ specialty stores. Its stores primarily offer casual clothing products, career wear products, suit separates, outerwear and footwear products, intimates, and accessories, as well as lifestyle products, such as bedroom furnishings and electronics. The company operates stores under the dressbarn, maurices, and Justice brand names. As of July 31, 2010, it operated 2,477 stores in 48 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, including 887 Justice stores, 757 maurices stores, and 833 dressbarn stores. The Dress Barn, Inc. was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Suffern, New York.

Collective Brands, Inc. primarily engages in the wholesale and retail of footwear and related accessories worldwide. Its Payless ShoeSource stores offer footwear, including athletic, casual and dress shoes, sandals, work and fashion boots, slippers, and accessories, such as handbags, jewelry, and hosiery for women, children, and men. The company’s Payless ShoeSource stores provide its products under the Airwalk, American Eagletm, Champion, Christian Siriano for Paylesstm, Dexter, and Lela Rose for Paylesstm brand names. It also involves in the wholesale of footwear in various retail formats, including premier department stores, specialty stores, and independent shoe stores primarily in North America. In addition, Collective Brands, Inc. markets its products directly to consumers by selling children’s footwear through its Stride Rite Children’s stores; and a selection of its footwear and apparel through its Stride Rite Outlet stores and e-commerce sites.

Leader's Holding Company (better known as Leader's Casual Furniture) is a small furniture chain that that operates some 20 retail showrooms throughout the state of Florida. The furniture retailer sells such brand names as Capris, Jonathan Taylor, Carlton, Tropitone, Palm Springs Rattan, and Garden Classics. As part of its products portfolio, the company peddles indoor (including wicker and rattan) and outdoor home furnishings and related accessories. The family-owned company got its start as a single retail location in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1971.

HOM Furniture, Inc is a middle-market to high-end home furnishings retailer operating more than a dozen stores in Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin. HOM stores offer wooden (cherry, maple, oak, pine), upholstered (including leather), and patio furniture, as well as mattresses, area rugs, and other decorative accessories. Many locations also provide free design consultations to assist customers with buying decisions. In addition to its namesake chain, HOM operates Gabberts Design Studio & Fine Furnishings, based in Edina, Minnesota. HOM's retailing roots reach back to 1973, when CEO Wayne Johansen established JC Imports, the chain's forerunner.

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