Home Depot's Latest News: Corporate Shifts, Tiny Homes, Refund Controversy & More

In the past two weeks, Home Depot has been making waves with a series of shocking moves that are sure to impact customers and employees alike! From requiring corporate execs to spend time on the store floor, to the release of a jaw-dropping tiny home kit that’s already stirring up excitement, the retail giant is shaking things up.

But it’s not all good news—customers are furious over new, controversial return policies, and a shopper’s nightmare experience over payment methods has sparked outrage. Plus, Home Depot’s viral Christmas decoration is turning heads in a way no one expected! Here’s Finance Monthly’s roundup of the top 5 stories surrounding Home Depot that you need to know about.

  • Corporate Employees to Work Retail Shifts: Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, Home Depot will require all corporate employees, including senior management and remote workers, to spend one eight-hour shift per quarter working in retail stores. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of customer-facing roles and the challenges faced by frontline associates.
  • Introduction of Tiny Home Kit: Home Depot is offering a "high-quality" tiny home kit named Rose Cottage for $26,499. The kit includes two bedrooms and one bathroom, with assembly described as "hassle-free" due to pre-assembled steel panels. It's suitable for use as a family home, guest house, office, or rental unit.
  • Return Policy Changes: Customers have expressed frustration with Home Depot's new return policy, which limits the number of returns without a receipt. A customer reported being denied a return for faulty Christmas lights without a receipt, despite offering a driver's license for verification and agreeing to receive store credit. This has led to complaints about customer service and threats of boycotts.
  • Payment Method Limitations: A shopper reported having to abandon their cart at Home Depot due to the store's lack of Apple Pay acceptance. This incident caused significant frustration, as the customer had to leave the store empty-handed after spending an hour on their project. Home Depot does not accept Apple Pay, similar to Walmart, despite customer requests for its inclusion.
  • Viral Christmas Decoration: Home Depot's Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir, a pre-lit LED Christmas tree, has gone viral on social media. Available in 7.5ft and 9ft sizes for $349, the tree's minimalist design and twinkling fairy lights have garnered significant attention, with a TikTok video of the tree receiving over six million views

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