Two of H&L’s main objectives in 2009 are (1) to improve operational efficiency; and (2) to use team effort to meet customers’ needs. In order to meet these objectives, H&L has started to implement a strategic approach known as Category Management. Category management is a tried and proven retailing concept which has been in use for many years across the world. Category management involves:

Closets are small enclosed spaces used generally for storage or hanging clothes in a house or building. Cabinets, cupboards, pantries, wardrobes, armoires are other types of closets. Whatever their purpose, closets are personal spaces that we never seem to have enough of. But with some thought and planning storage space can be added or expanded within your building.

If you’ve never had to fix a loosely hanging cupboard door or shift a drawer handle then consider yourself lucky. Sometimes even the simplest household jobs can seem like building a house for those of us who were born minus the handyman gene.

High-speed rotary tools have the ability to work at speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. Of the two main types, Cut Out tools and Basic Rotary tools, the former has the bigger motor. Cut Out tools have motors ranging from 4 to 5 amps, while rotary tools motors’ use 1 amp. Both types have cordless versions, but the corded ones are always more powerful.

Spring-cleaning time is upon us. Most homemakers are ready to embark on a cleaning spree of their entire house or parts of it. Nothing is left to chance, no corners go untouched and no surface goes unpolished. Everything is washed, wiped, dusted and/or shined from top to bottom.

If you're a house-proud homeowner, then you maintain an immaculate yard. Exteriors are just as important as interiors, and knowing this, you've eliminated all weeds from your garden, bordered the lawn with bright flowers and made sure the grass is completely level.

GraceKennedy boss, Douglas Orane, has stepped down as chairman of the group's subsidiary, Hardware and Lumber, handing the job to his deputy, Erwin Burton, Grace told the Jamaica Stock Exchange yesterday.

Burton also heads GK Foods, the division that groups GraceKennedy's food manufacturing businesses.

GraceKennedy also announced that Courtney Campbell, recently appointed head of GK Investments, which covers the group's non-food assets, was called to the H&L board.

Sometimes we know exactly what needs improvement in our homes, what items can complete a room or the part we need to fix a broken household item. Other times we just sense that something is missing or needs change but we can’t quite pinpoint anything in particular.

If you find yourself in this position here’s what you can do for inspiration:

Changing your faucets is one of the easiest ways to add drama and a sense of style to even the most drab bathroom or kitchen. They come in many sizes and styles to suit the individual’s taste. They are also sold in a variety of finishes such as chrome, brass, and copper, which often determines their durability.

If you've ever tried carving meat, you'll know it's difficult to keep the cuts straight and smooth. That is unless you're using an electrical knife.

"I would recommend that each household get one of these," quips Rapid True Value supervisor Camille McLeod who is showing Thursday Tech the electric knives the store carries.

Adequate and consistent supply of clean water is of critical importance to the agricultural sector, whether crops or livestock production. But, in many instances, this important commodity remains in woefully short supply in the main farming areas that negatively impact production and consequently the livelihood of farmers.

Are you in the market for yet another garden hose? Did you last one deteriorate to the point where you just threw it in the garbage? Perhaps you should take a look at these simple facts and your next hose just might last you longer.

Garden hoses may be compared by inner diameter, burst strength, material layers and length. Diameter matters because it determines efficiency; the pressure per square inch regulates burst strength. Most hoses are between 25 and 100 feet long.