HOME DEPOT INCREASES MARKETING EFFORTS

     Due to "halved sales goals" for its Olympic Brick
fundraising program, Home Depot is planning a "more aggressive
national marketing thrust."  Home Depot is doing a number of
things to increase exposure, including national ads in USA TODAY
and during the NFL playoffs on NBC, as well as direct mail.  Home
Depot will also target public schools "to get students interested
in the effort," and public relations efforts will be "stepped
up."  Home Depot Senior VP/Marketing Dick Hammill:  "We will be
constantly evaluating our marketing and advertising plans as we
go and will continue to run the advertising at opportune times if
necessary" (Leslie Bayor, ADVERTISING AGE, 2/20 issue).