If you’ve ever needed a box of screws, a new faucet, a bag of mulch, or a rented carpet cleaner, there’s a good chance you’ve walked through the doors of an orange-signed Home Depot. It’s the largest home improvement retailer in the world, and for millions of homeowners and contractors it’s the default place to start a project.
But what exactly is Home Depot, how does it work, and who’s behind it? Here’s a clear, up-to-date overview.
What Is Home Depot?
The Home Depot, Inc. is an American home improvement retailer headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. It sells building materials, tools, appliances, garden supplies, and home décor, and offers services like installation, tool rental, and delivery.
“The Home Depot, Inc.” is the official name of the publicly traded company (stock ticker: HD on the New York Stock Exchange). “Home Depot” is simply what most people call the stores. They refer to the same business.
Home Depot at a Glance
| Founded | 1978; first stores opened in 1979 |
| Founders | Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, with Ken Langone and Pat Farrah |
| Headquarters | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Chair and CEO | Ted Decker |
| Stores | 2,359 at the end of fiscal 2025 |
| Countries | United States (including territories), Canada, Mexico |
What Does Home Depot Sell?
A typical store carries tens of thousands of products, with many more available online. Main departments include:
- Building materials: lumber, drywall, insulation, roofing, concrete
- Tools and hardware: power tools, hand tools, fasteners, storage
- Plumbing and electrical: pipes, fixtures, water heaters, wiring, lighting
- Paint: interior and exterior paint, stains, and supplies, including color matching
- Flooring: tile, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, carpet
- Kitchen and bath: cabinets, countertops, vanities, faucets, caulk and sealants
- Appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers, ranges
- Garden and outdoor: plants, soil, grills, patio furniture, mowers
- Home essentials: storage, cleaning supplies, dehumidifiers, air filters
Services Beyond the Shelf
- Tool and truck rental: Rent equipment like tile saws, floor sanders, carpet cleaners, and pickup trucks instead of buying.
- Installation services: Home Depot arranges licensed, independent installers for jobs like flooring, water heaters, roofing, and kitchen remodels.
- Buy online, pick up in store: Order online and grab it in-store or from a pickup locker.
- Delivery: From same-day small orders to large appliance and lumber deliveries.
- Free workshops: Many stores host DIY and kids’ workshops.
- Key cutting, paint matching, and lumber cutting at many locations.
Who Shops at Home Depot?
DIY customers
Homeowners and renters handling their own projects, from hanging shelves to replacing a toilet. Simple jobs like recaulking a bathtub are a classic DIY trip.
Pro customers
Contractors, remodelers, plumbers, electricians, and property managers. They make up a large share of sales, and Home Depot has invested heavily in serving them with bulk pricing, a Pro Xtra loyalty program, dedicated desks, and job-site delivery.
“Do-it-for-me” customers
People who buy the products but hire Home Depot’s installers to do the work.
A Short History of Home Depot
How it started
In 1978, Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank were fired from a hardware chain called Handy Dan. With backing from investor Ken Langone and merchandising expert Pat Farrah, they set out to create something new: huge warehouse-style stores with a massive selection, low prices, and knowledgeable staff who could explain how to do a project.
The first stores
The first two Home Depot stores opened in Atlanta in 1979. The company went public in 1981 and expanded quickly across the U.S. through the 1980s and 1990s.
Expansion beyond the U.S.
Home Depot entered Canada in 1994 and Mexico in 2001. It tried other markets, including China, but later exited and focused on North America.
Recent growth
In recent years, Home Depot has grown its business with professional contractors, including by acquiring the building products distributor SRS Distribution in 2024 and drywall and building supply company GMS in 2025.
Who Runs Home Depot Today?
Ted Decker is the Chair, President, and CEO of The Home Depot. He became CEO in March 2022 and added the role of board chair later that year. He joined the company in 2000 and held roles in strategy, merchandising, and operations before taking the top job.
Co-founder Bernie Marcus passed away in November 2024. Arthur Blank, the other co-founder, is also known as the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
How Many Stores Does Home Depot Have?
At the end of fiscal 2025, Home Depot operated 2,359 stores:
| Location | Stores |
|---|---|
| United States (50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam) | 2,035 |
| Canada | 182 |
| Mexico | 142 |
The company has said it plans to keep opening new stores in the U.S.
Home Depot vs. Lowe’s
Lowe’s is Home Depot’s biggest competitor. Both sell similar products, but Home Depot has historically focused more on pro contractors, while Lowe’s has leaned more toward DIY homeowners. Many shoppers simply go to whichever store is closer or has the item in stock.
Tips for Shopping at Home Depot
- Check stock and aisle location in the app before you go
- Use buy online, pick up in store to skip the search
- Rent tools you’ll only use once
- Ask about price matching on identical items (check the current policy)
- Keep receipts. Return policies vary by product type
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Home Depot?
Home Depot is a public company owned by its shareholders. Its shares trade on the NYSE under the ticker HD.
Who is the CEO of Home Depot?
Ted Decker has been CEO since March 2022 and is also Chair of the Board.
When was Home Depot founded?
The company was founded in 1978, and the first stores opened in Atlanta in 1979.
Is Home Depot only in the United States?
No. It also operates stores in Canada and Mexico.
Does Home Depot install what it sells?
Yes. It offers installation for many products through independent, licensed service providers.
The Bottom Line
Home Depot grew from two Atlanta stores into the world’s largest home improvement retailer by offering huge selection, practical help, and services for both DIYers and professionals. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet or remodeling a kitchen, it’s built to be a one-stop shop.
