Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Attendees of the 2024 National Hardware Show (NHS) left Las Vegas last week with new product ideas to add to their operations, insightful takeaways from educational sessions and an infusion of positive energy and new business relationships. The event, which took place over three days at the Las Vegas Convention Center, brought together retailers, vendors and others from the home improvement industry.
“The vibe was really positive,” says Joelle Cohn, VIP attendee manager for NHS. “The exhibition hall was sold out and we started selling already for 2025. A lot of people were excited about all the new offerings, and the experiences we created for socializing and networking were appreciated by attendees. The chance for relationship building was crucial, as human interaction is so important in building businesses.”
Kathryn Emery, NHS PR representative, says it was important to enhance and improve the show experience for attendees. New product discovery led the way as the biggest takeaway, with networking, education and social experiences also making an impression on attendees.
“NHS has always been the event that unites the home improvement community with retailers from large to small. It’s the only show to welcome and gather them all under one roof,” Emery says. “As correspondent, 25-year industry professional and host to press and influencers, I can attest to the energy and synergy this year that was palpable.”
Read on for all the highlights from the event and mark your calendars for the 2025 National Hardware Show, taking place March 18-20, 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
NHPA Connects With the Independent Channel at NHS
The North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) once again had a presence at NHS, providing education and networking opportunities through the Independent Retail Center, the Retailers’ Choice Awards and the Foundations of Merchandising Management Live! program.
A group of independent retailers selected by NHPA walked the floor during the first two days of the show looking for their favorite products and nominating them for the NHPA Retailers’ Choice Awards. After the panel of judges deliberated, the winners were announced Wednesday evening during the NHS and NHPA Awards Ceremony. Learn more about the awards and see the 2024 winners here.
New to NHS for 2024, the Independent Retail Center was a must-stop spot on the NHS show floor. Featuring Retailer Roundtables and Ask the Expert sessions, the Independent Retailer Center sent attendees on their way with helpful and insightful takeaways. Discover all the happenings in the Independent Retail Center here.
Back for a second year at NHS, the NHPA Foundations of Merchandising Management Live! educational program provided industry-focused merchandising best practices. See what students had to say about the program this year here.
New Opportunities Shine Bright at NHS
With a reimagined show floor and outdoor living area, several new product categories and refreshed educational opportunities, NHS emphasized attendee experience both professionally and socially.
Networking, Educational Sessions Provide Practical Takeaways
Across all three days, attendees had the opportunity to attend a number of educational sessions, panel presentations and other learning activities, all of which provided practical takeaways covering topics including succession planning, merchandising, e-commerce and more.
Recognizing the Best of the Best on the Show Floor
Throughout the three-day event, NHS and NHPA gave out several awards recognizing outstanding vendors and products that were highlights from the show floor.
