The Home Depot, founded in 1978, is one of the world's largest home improvement specialty retailers with over 2,200 stores throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. In addition, it operates nearly 35 EXPO Design Center stores and more than 10 The Home Depot Landscape Supply stores. It stocks over 40,000 hardware, plumbing, lumber and landscaping products for the professional as well as the weekend do-it-yourselfer. The Home Depot provides shopping, design, home and contractor services, credit programs, delivery options, home improvement loans, tool and truck rentals, free how-to clinics and children s workshops. The company specializes in flooring, lighting and plumbing supplies and kitchen and interior d cor products. The Home Depot is a corporate partner and supports a number of sports and environmental programs. It sponsors the Olympic Games, Olympic Employment Program, National Football League and NASCAR Racing. The Home Depot has been recognized as the most admired specialty retailer by the Fortune magazine. The Home Depot is headquartered in Atlanta.