Retail Diveยท2025-10-02 15:09Group 1 - Home Depot has launched a Project Planning tool aimed at enhancing the experience for professional customers, allowing them to manage complex projects more efficiently [2][3][7] - The tool enables users to reorder items, track transactions, choose delivery preferences, and monitor invoicing, thereby simplifying the procurement process for professionals who typically work with multiple suppliers [2][3][7] - Home Depot's strategy includes hiring pro customer managers and updating employee apps to better serve professional contractors, indicating a strong focus on this customer segment to drive sales growth [3][4] Group 2 - Home Depot has made significant acquisitions to attract professional customers, including the planned acquisition of SRS Distribution for approximately $18.25 billion and the purchase of GMS Inc. for about $5.5 billion [4] - In its latest earnings report, Home Depot reported a nearly 5% increase in net sales year-over-year, reaching $45.3 billion, with comparable sales rising 1% and U.S. comparable sales increasing by 1.4% [5] - Competitor Lowe's has also intensified its focus on professional customers, launching MVP Business Tools and updating its MyLowe's Pro Rewards program to enhance the experience for small- and mid-sized contractors [6]