Home Depot is a major home improvement retailer owned by The Home Depot, Inc., which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was founded by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank in 1978 and has since grown to become the largest home improvement retailer in the United States with more than 2200 stores across North America. As of 2021, The Home Depot employs over 400,000 people worldwide and operates retail stores throughout the United States as well as Canada, Mexico and China. In addition to their brick-and-mortar locations they also offer online shopping options through their website homedepot.com. Despite facing competition from other large retailers such as Lowe's and Walmart they remain at the top of the industry due to their excellent customer service, competitive prices on tools, building materials and more plus an extensive selection of products available both online or at any store location near you!