Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) welcomed attendees from across the home improvement channel to its first-ever State of Independents Conference Dec. 10 in Chicago.
The 2015 NRHA State of Independents Conference, sponsored by the National Hardware Show®, was a one-day, interactive event that delivered proprietary research, live feedback, networking opportunities and advice on how channel partners within the home improvement industry can work more closely with independent retailers.
“It was truly rewarding to see so many members from across the home improvement industry come together in one place to learn more about independent home improvement retailers,” says Dan Tratensek, NRHA vice president of publishing.
During the event, attendees got to hear the results of several never-before-released research projects focusing on the current state of independent retailers, their future opportunities and challenges for growth.
In addition to these presentations, NRHA also hosted two separate discussion panels featuring high-performing retailers from around the U.S. and Canada.
“It has been great hearing from retailers about their challenges and growth opportunities,” says Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager at STIHL. “It’s so important to hear about the industry, but the one-on-one time I’ve had with retailers has been so beneficial. I have so many takeaways from today.”
According to Tratensek, the State of Independents Conference provides independent home improvement retailers with an opportunity to share their feedback with the rest of the industry.
“We want to make sure that everyone across this industry understands what a vital role independent retailers play in its overall health,” he says. “Through research, discussion panels and networking, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of what these retailers need to succeed.”
For more information about the NRHA State of Independents Conference, please email Marci Taschler at MTaschler@nrha.org.
