Eagle Hardware founder to open 3 lighting stores

SEATTLE - Eagle Hardware & Garden founder David Heerensperger will open three lighting-fixture stores just two years after the sale of Eagle to No. 2 home-improvement chain Lowe's.

Heerensperger is the chief executive of newly created Kent-based World Lighting. Former Eagle managers make up the bulk of World Lighting's management team.

The first three World Lighting outlets are set to open by November in Bellevue, Lynnwood and Tukwila. The stores, ranging from 22,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet, have required an investment of $2.25 million in inventory, leases and computer systems. The big-box-style outlets will offer a 15,000-square-foot showroom, displaying various lighting techniques and suggestions for customers. The remaining space will act as the warehouse for inventory.