The North American Retail Hardware Association All-Industry Conference wrapped up today, along with the final day of the National Hardware Show® in Las Vegas. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the NRHA Village to say hello and share with your association the excitement you found and the connections you made on the show floor.
Thanks to all the readers who followed along with our coverage. Here’s a recap from the last day at the show.
Last Chance Look From the Show Floor
The show floor was open until 1 p.m., so attendees spent the morning making one last loop to must-visit areas, like Tiny Living @ NHS, The Backyard Marketplace and the Interactive Smart Home.
While attendees were busy making their last-chance rounds, NRHA staffers talked about their favorite spots on the show floor in their panel discussion, Last Chance Look From the Show Floor.
“I really enjoyed seeing the Interactive Smart Home this year,” says show veteran and NRHA retail outreach coordinator Renee Changnon. “It’s so cool to see how much of our lives can be connected and simplified through smart home technology, and I think it’s something that home improvement retailers should seriously consider selling in their stores to compete.”
Other favorite areas of the show floor included The Backyard Marketplace, Inventors Spotlight and Emergency Preparedness.
“We were really lucky this year to have such great weather for attendees to explore The Backyard Marketplace,” says NRHA event manager Katie McHone-Jones. “I always enjoy an opportunity to get some fresh air in between presentations on the NRHA Village Stage, and you can always find something good to eat out there.”
Looking ahead to the future is another highlight from the Show Floor.
“Inventors Spotlight is a great place to see what the next innovations are going to be in the marketplace,” says NRHA marketing director Whitney Daulton. “It’s interesting to see all of the new ideas exhibitors have and then to keep my eye out for those things on shelves in my hometown in the near future.”
When it comes to Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Recovery, attendees like knowing there are opportunities in the industry for retailers to keep their communities safe.
“It’s important that this industry recognize its position to prioritize safety products,” features editor Melanie Moul says. “Home improvement stores are where people go to find solutions to their problems, and when it comes to emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, those are situations where this industry can provide life-saving solutions.”
How NRHA and Hardware Retailing Can Help Your Business
Retail outreach coordinator Renee Changnon delivered the final presentation of the conference at 10 a.m. on the NRHA Village stage. She reviewed the many ways NRHA fulfills its mission: to help independent retailers run better, more profitable operations.
“From partnering with organizations that provide business service solutions to offering college-level training courses, there is something at NRHA for every independent home improvement operator,” Changnon says. “Connecting with your association can help you discover new opportunities and grow your business in ways you never imagined.”