Shop Talk

The Do-It-Yourself Lift

The recession is leading many consumers to sharpen their do-it-yourself skills, opting to work on their cars and homes themselves rather than hire professionals.

Home Depot said it is gearing up for spring with a wide assortment of lawn equipment and fertilizer products, looking to cash in should consumers cancel their contracts with professional landscaping companies.

The company said some consumers in cold-weather climates bought snowblowers in the fourth quarter, opting to clean their own driveways and save money instead of calling on snow-removal services.

“We wonder if that might not happen in the spring in the garden business,” Chief Financial Officer Carol Tome said in an interview. “If that were to happen, we’ll be ready with a broad assortment.”

Starbucks drops the axe — is your store next?

California, Florida and Texas — the states with the biggest populations and the most Starbucks outlets — are losing the most stores as the coffee chain slashes more than 600 stores in a bid to boost slumping U.S. results.

While big states are losing the most, few markets — even Starbucks’ hometown of Seattle — are immune.