Does the independent lumberyard compete with the big-box national retailer? The answer might surprise you.

It surprised Jim Robisch, senior partner at The Farnsworth Group. His recent presentation during the LMC convention was titled "The Future Threat of Big Box Home Centers in the Pro Market," and it spelled out the case that Lowe's, Home Depot and Menards are not to be underestimated as LBM competition.

The co-op structure presents to the hardware industry one of the most interesting financial instruments in all of accounting: the end-of-year rebate.

San Antonio-based Alamo Lumber is a small regional lumberyard company serving 14 south Texas markets with a mix of building supplies and hardware store merchandise.

In the fourth quarter, Home Depot had a field day in its quarterly sales comparisons with rival Lowe's — a 13.9% gain compared with a 5% decline. However, the field wasn't level.

Home Depot had an extra week in its 2012 quarter, while Lowe's was operating with one fewer week. The difference created a nearly $2 billion swing, as the extra week benefited Home Depot to the tune of $1.2 billion, and deflated Lowe's by about $766 million.

When Hurricane Sandy slammed into the northeastern part of the United States, the level of damage was clearly devastating. It was the start of a tremendously difficult time for many residents of this highly populous region. When bad things happen, a silver lining often emerges. In this case, that is a positive impact on the home improvement industry.

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation will offer about $2.75 million worth of Home Depot gift cards to Staten Island homeowners recovering from Hurricane Sandy, according to a report in the Staten Island Advance newspaper.

The plan, which is expected to be announced Tuesday at a Staten Island Home Depot, calls for giving out $250 Home Depot gift cards to residents of the New York City borough who live in damaged homes.