Atlanta, GA, September 29, 2005--Home Depot announced a new series of three workshops designed to address the specific needs and interests of an aging population.
Developed in conjunction with AARP, the leading membership organization for the 50-plus population, The Home Depot-AARP Workshops will debut in all stores nationwide on Tuesday, October 11, 2005. The new workshops are part of The Home Depot's strategic alliance with AARP, and a natural extension of the company's popular how-to clinic program.
The Home Depot-AARP Workshops will cover topics revealed to be of most interest to homeowners 50 and over in a recent survey conducted on behalf of The Home Depot. These include resources and projects to help save money on energy bills, simple modifications to make a home more comfortable and functional and tips on basic home maintenance and repair. The workshops will be conducted by knowledgeable associates from The Home Depot.
"Our alliance with AARP provides valuable insights into the critical 50-plus consumer segment," said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president & CEO of The Home Depot. "For more than two decades, The Home Depot has delivered home improvement know-how to customers of all ages. With the help of AARP, our newest workshops will address the specific interests of customers 50 and over."
At some 86 million strong, the 50 and over segment is the fastest growing consumer segment in America today and represents more than 40 percent of the U.S. adult population. By 2020, their ranks will swell to more than 115 million people. According to AARP, more than 89 percent of those 50 and older want to remain in their current homes as they age. To make this a reality, the majority realize they will need to make changes to their home in order to ensure that it is comfortable, functional and safe.
"Both AARP and The Home Depot are committed to providing the right resources and information to help individuals prepare for the next life stage," said Bill Novelli, CEO of AARP. "Through The Home Depot-AARP Workshops we are able to provide valuable home improvement information and know-how on timely topics that interest the 50-plus population."
The Home Depot-AARP Workshops are the latest in a successful line of customized do-it-yourself clinics for specific customer segments, including Kids Workshops for children ages 6 to 12 and Do-It-Herself Workshops for women. The October 11 workshop topics and times offered include:
* Update Your Home for Lifelong Comfort and Safety, 11 a.m.: Participants will learn how to make modifications to their home that will make it more comfortable over the years. Project topics include kitchen and bath updates to improve safety and increase ease of mobility; enhanced indoor lighting to reduce eyestrain; and outdoor lighting to prevent accidents or injuries.
* Home Energy Efficiency Projects That Save You Money, noon: Participants will learn to identify sources of energy loss in the home that can lead to higher utility bills. Participants also will review the benefits of investing in energy efficient products, such as Energy Star light bulbs, appliances, thermostats and windows. They also will review an energy audit.
* Preventive Home Maintenance to Protect Your Most Valuable Asset, 7 p.m.: Participants will learn how to conduct routine home maintenance to prevent damage to their home. The workshop will cover topics such as replacing furnace filters, maintaining smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, checking for water leaks, roof inspection and exterior maintenance items.
The new workshops are part of an ongoing alliance between The Home Depot and AARP. The relationship began in February 2004 with a national hiring initiative intended to attract, motivate and retain eligible older workers as full- and part-time associates of The Home Depot.
