In 1978, he came up with the idea of a warehouse-style store that would appeal to the do-it-yourself homeowner. With a partner’s help, it became the world’s largest home-improvement retailer. Marcus, Bernard, Home Depot Inc, Home Repairs and Improvements, Shopping and Retail, Do It Yourself, Deaths (Obituaries) In 1978, he came up with the idea of a warehouse-style store that would appeal to the do-it-yourself homeowner. With a partner’s help, it became the world’s largest home-improvement retailer. NYT > Business