Home Depot is on message with Universal Design.
You better believe this is a hard-headed business decision and not a soft-hearted pity ploy when it comes from a company with as much to risk (and gain) as Home Depot.
Atlanta-based Home Depot (NYSE: HD) said its Home Hero brand is the first product line to come from its new "Orange Works" innovation and design venture with Arnell Group. Orange Works is tasked with working with vendors on proprietary innovation within Home Depot to meet the needs of emerging lifestyle and product trends.
And Universal Design is the right tool for the job:
"The cornerstone of The Home Depot is delivering distinctive merchandise at an attractive price," said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO of Home Depot. "Orange Works will drive unique product design and accelerate the speed to market with products that are best in class across the store. Knowing Peter Arnell and his expertise in innovation and design, I am confident that this unique venture will ensure we work closely with our vendor partners to develop and design unique and proprietary products to make living easier and more enjoyable for our customers."Two more Orange Works innovations under development focus on universal design, Home Depot said. Easy Reach Storage enables a consumer to raise or lower cabinet shelving units with one hand, eliminating the need to stoop or stretch. The second item is a decorative chair rail molding system that doubles as a handrail, designed for consumers who need the support but do not want unattractive handrails in their homes.