The Home Depot has opened the first of what will be four test stores planned for New Jersey before the year 2000, a "recreated" hardware store operating as Villager's Hardware. Villager's focuses on small fix-up and maintenance projects rather than major home improvements.

The cash offer by U.S. Industries, parent company of Jacuzzi, to purchase the shares of Spring Ram has been declared wholly unconditional.

MAAX Inc. said that it achieved its best quarterly performance for the fourth consecutive year for the three-month period ended May 31, with increases in sales and net income.

Aging multifunction toilet seats with heating elements have been identified as the cause of three house fires in the Tokyo area over the past six years, according to published reports. None of the fires resulted in substantial property damage, serious injury or loss of life.

Jacuzzi Inc., a subsidiary of U.S. Industries, has acquired Gatsby spas, Plant city, Fla., for $17 million cash.

A bill to change the maximum water consumptiom level of toilets from 1.6 gallons per flush to 3.5 gpf has been reintroduced in Congress.

A new videotape available free to all kithcen/bath trade professionals and contractors provides step-by-step information on Robern products.

ImproveNet has formed an alliance with Coldwell Banker Northern California for the realty group's new Concierge Service.

Elkay Manufacturing Co. has acquired E.B. Tecnica Mexicana, a large sink manufacturer in Mexico.

Whirlpool baths and personalized shower systems topped the wish lists of American consumers in a study conducted for American Standard.