Did you know that a recent study reveals that 18 percent of independent home improvement retailers’ annual purchasing is done at buying markets?
In addition, did you know that more than 50 percent of independent retailers list “learning about new products and programs” as the most important reason they choose to attend these markets — even more important than special deals?
These findings come from a 2014 North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) study and represent just some of the types of research the organization will be sharing with the industry at its first State of Independents Conference scheduled for Dec. 10 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago.
This one-day conference will provide attendees with a broad picture of how independent home improvement retailers are faring in today’s market, what they see as their challenges to growth in the future and how they view their relationships with their manufacturing and distribution partners. The event will present this information through a combination of proprietary research, panel discussions featuring leading independent home improvement retailers and networking opportunities.
For more information about the State of Indepenents Conference or to register and take advantage of discounted early-bird registration rates, please go to www.hardwareretailing.com/soic. To learn more about the event or to inquire about NRHA research, please contact DanT@nrha.org.