Home Depot and AARP Launch National Hiring Partnership

 | February 6, 2004

The Home Depot® (NYSE: HD), the world's largest home improvement retailer and AARP, the leading membership organization for the 50+ population with over 35 million members, today announced a national partnership to attract, motivate and retain eligible older workers as part- and full-time associates in new and existing stores across the country.

"This hiring partnership with AARP is a great opportunity for Home Depot to attract qualified, knowledgeable and skilled individuals to work as associates in our stores," said Bob Nardelli, chairman, president and CEO of The Home Depot. "AARP has a broad national reach with the mature workforce making it a powerful resource and an ideal organization for Home Depot to partner with for a national hiring initiative. At Home Depot, we believe knowledge, experience, and passion never retire."

"We are proud to establish a national hiring partnership with The Home Depot," said Bill Novelli, CEO, AARP. "Through AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program , we have been helping older adults develop job search skills and find permanent employment for 35 years. This partnership will provide Home Depot with access to a high performing, diverse contingent of potential associates that demonstrate a strong work ethic, maturity and leadership."

Home Depot operates more than 1,700 stores, plans to open an additional 175 locations and hire approximately 35,000 new associates in 2004. Through its partnership with AARP, Home Depot seeks to attract skilled associates to a variety of store positions including plumbers, electricians, landscapers, design, sales, and customer service representatives. Home Depot offers medical and dental insurance, tuition reimbursement, a discounted stock purchase plan, the opportunity to share in the company's growth through its Success Sharing program and other benefits to eligible full and part-time associates.

Effective immediately, mature job seekers across the country can visit their local AARP Foundation Employment Program Center or a Department of Labor One Stop Career Center to complete an employment application. Additionally, an online application at storecareers.homedepot.com/aarp will be available. Interested applicants can also visit any Home Depot store to complete an online application at their store employment kiosks. Applicants can dial toll free for more information at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

AARP SCSEP, since its establishment in 1969, has helped over 350,000 people find jobs throughout the country, and currently, there are 90 sites in 27 states and Puerto Rico. This partnership with Home Depot will offer an excellent resource to thousands of individuals seeking assistance securing part- or full-time employment. The partnership is an integral part of the AARP Foundation SCSEP's commitment to secure job placement and training for program participants. This is the first national hiring partnership established by the AARP Foundation.

The relationship will enable SCSEP to better understand Home Depot's job opportunities, application procedures and work environment, so SCSEP can make the most appropriate referrals to its participants to help them meet Home Depot's needs. Home Depot launched its first national hiring partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor in June of 2002; to date more than 12,000 people have been employed through the effort.

Founded in 1978, The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer and the second largest retailer in the United States, with fiscal 2002 sales of $58.2 billion. The company employs approximately 300,000 associates and has 1,722 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, eight Canadian provinces and Mexico. Its stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our quarterly publication for Hispanic members; NRTA Live & Learn for National Retired Teachers Association members; and our Web site, www.aarp.org. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information, contact:

Goldie Taylor
The Home Depot
(770) 384-4155
goldie_taylor@homedepot.com

Kyle Farnham
Manning Selvage & Lee
(404) 870-6840
kyle.farnham@mslpr.com