Operations

The North American Hardware and Paint Association’s 2026 Cost of Doing Business Study is now available for purchase! This comprehensive report is your ultimate resource for financial benchmarking in the independent home improvement industry. Why Invest in the 2026 Study? …

Hardware retailers confronting theft face an uncomfortable balancing act: Protect merchandise aggressively enough to reduce shrink versus keeping your store customer friendly and easy to shop. That tradeoff is the focus of the July 2026 white paper “The Complex Relationship …

By Zoe Benson Starting a new job can be hard. You have to learn how the business runs and meet new people all while trying to prove that you belong there, all while trying to hold off a case of …

As the hardware industry anticipates steady growth through 2030, independent retailers have the opportunity to focus on curating a hardware category aligned with current trends and preferences among professionals and DIYers. According to the Home Improvement Research Institute’s March 2026 …

The North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Young Retailer of the Year program is excited to celebrate 30 years of honoring up-and-coming retailers making a big impact in the independent channel. Since 1997, over 200 young retailers have been …

One of the ways the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) supports the independent home improvement channel is to foster positive relationships between retailers and vendors, and a prime example of that synergy is through a partnership with the …

The adhesives category continues to evolve as new technologies are introduced and consumers seek more durable, sustainable and functional products. The category is also becoming more specialized, requiring expert knowledge to sell effectively. According to a new study conducted by …

Sponsored by Quikrete While they aren’t engaging in DIY projects at quite the same frequency as homeowners, renters are an untapped audience for independent retailers. The Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) Renter’s Home Improvement Activity Study took a closer look …