Anxiety about COVID-19 has shifted where and how people will shop for the holidays.  Research from professional services firm Deloitte shows that more than half of shoppers feel anxious about in-store shopping due to the pandemic.  Independent home improvement retailers …

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam Ransdell of Burney True Value Hardware in Seven Lakes, North Carolina, realized that ordering face masks to sell wasn’t going to meet his community’s needs.  Demand was too high nationally for Ransdell to get …

This book review is the final installment in a series Hardware Retailing is publishing to highlight resources retailers recommend to other operators in the independent home improvement industry.  David Strano is general manager and co-owner of Ambridge Do it Best …

Ace Hardware Corp. reported record third-quarter 2020 revenues, showing the ongoing growth of same-store and online sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. The growth in the third quarter follows a very strong second quarter, which was strongly shaped by consumer’s pandemic …

The COVID-19 pandemic derailed initial plans for celebrating the 100th anniversary of Frager’s Hardware & Garden Center, the longest continuously operating hardware store in Washington, D.C. Determined not to let the centennial pass by without recognition, the store staff organized …

Westlake Ace Hardware recently promoted Tony Jones to vice president of finance and controller. He replaced the retiring Pam Samulcek, who had served as vice president of finance and controller since 2006. In his new role, Jones leads all finance …

Good leadership requires constant individual growth. That’s why Brian Kabat, owner of Kabat’s Ace Hardware in Arizona, considers ongoing professional development to be an important part of his career.  Kabat has stepped away from daily operations at his five stores …

Markle Do it Best Hardware in Markle, Indiana, was one of the only businesses still open in its community when Indiana required all nonessential businesses to close due to COVID-19.  The store not only stayed open and served the rush …