Northwest superstore Eagle Hardware & Garden found its market share at risk as category killer Home Depot began opening stores next to nearly every Eagle Hardware location. The Jones team used Eagles home field advantage literally. Television commercials featuring Seattle Mariners stars appealed to the hometown crowd while boasting Eagles superior selection. The popularity of the campaign forced Home Depot to buy out Eagles Mariners media sponsorship, but it was too late. The 8-year campaign had a very loyal following. Eagle beat Home Depots sales in the Northwest every year until purchased by Lowes in 1999.