Independent Garden Center Show, National Hardware Show® Launch New Event

The Independent Garden Center Show (IGC) and the National Hardware Show® (NHS) have partnered to introduce the Independent Home Improvement Show – Powered by NHS. The new event will take place Aug. 13-15 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Strategically aligned with the IGC Show, the Independent Home Improvement Show (IHIS) will showcase a wide breadth of categories for independent retailers to enhance their inventory. Event planners say the space will feature hardware and tools, homewares, barbecue supplies, electrical products and more.

Rich Russo, vice president of the National Hardware Show, says the new venture will include new lawn and garden products that can help retailers connect with customers and boost sales.

“Many independent home improvement and hardware retail businesses include garden departments, and we have long recognized the IGC Show for its leadership as America’s biggest and best garden center event,” Russo says. “Additionally, both retailer audiences potentially sell various home improvement and houseware items from the vendors we will bring. It’s a perfect fit.”

Jeff Morey, IGC Show founder and CEO, says the partnership brings new possibilities to attendees.

“Independent hardware stores are so closely aligned to independent garden centers—they are cousins of sorts. Each is positioned to benefit from the other’s unique experiences and perspectives as independent retailers,” Morey says. “This key alliance further expands the networking opportunities at the IGC Show, so that garden centers and hardware stores can together celebrate the successes of independent retailing and share strategies to surmount today’s toughest challenges.”

Vendor booths at the Independent Home Improvement Show will be located in a dedicated space of the show floor, located next to the IGC show floor to take advantage of attendee traffic across both product showcases, event planners say.

In addition to finding new lawn and garden products, the event will also include Continuing Education @ IGC. These educational seminars will include five retail-focused tracks that include information on merchandising, marketing, branding, store operations and more.

Independent Home Improvement Show attendees will have full access to all IGC Show amenities, including free admission to the trade show, three keynote speeches and a free networking party that includes live music.

For more information, visit the event online.

To get an exclusive look at the 2018 Independent Garden Center show, check out Hardware Retailing’s recap.