St. Louis-based specialty distributor of books and magazines HDA Inc. has abruptly suspended business, apparently due to a credit squeeze. Many book publishers use the company for distribution to such retailers as Lowe’s Home Improvement (where they are the exclusive category manager for books, magazines and maps); Menard’s hardware stores; Bed Bath and Beyond; Michael’s; Dollar General and other stores. They distribute magazines to those outlets as well, and also publish their own home plan books and magazines. Reportedly, employees were locked out on Monday and given letters indicating their employment was terminated. HDA ceo Bob Ketterer told consultant Linda […]