Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Over the course of two days, Wallace Distribution Co. dealers came together in Sevierville, Tennessee, for product discovery, exclusive deals and time together, sharing wins and addressing challenges at the 2026 Spring Dealer Market. Dealers could meet one-on-one with vendors, learn about new products and get insights into the latest industry trends.
The show theme and atmosphere were centered around golf, popular with many in the industry and timely with the show happening the week before the Masters Tournament in Augusta, says Ed McKinney, vice president of purchasing for Wallace Distribution Co. Attendees could try out the golf simulator and compete in the closest-to-the-pin tournament and a putting contest complete with cash prizes.
“This was a hit, no pun intended. Everyone who participated was excited to give it a try and had a lot of fun competing with one another,” McKinney says. “We offer a lot of ways to have some fun and win money. We believe this is a super incentive to motivate our customers to come to the show and learn, win and save to grow their businesses and be more profitable.”
The 2026 Spring Market featured new tool concepts, providing dealers with ideas to give their tool departments a new fresh look. Also new for this show was an updated layout to make the floor easier to navigate.
“We serve our lunches on the show floor so everyone can continue to stay on the floor, offering convenience for all,” McKinney says. “We want everyone to maximize their time spent on the floor so they can accomplish all they need to do, as time is a precious commodity.”
Returning favorites included numerous ways to win cash for both dealers and vendors. At breakfast each day, birthdates were drawn and if an attendee had that birth day, they received $100. Names were also drawn every hour on the half hour and that dealer had chance to putt for cash, with the ability to win cash, depending on which hole the ball landed in.
“The vendors complement our show as to how well organized it is and how it offers opportunities to get in front of the dealers,” McKinney says. “The dealers always appreciate the fun atmosphere and the opportunity to grow relationships with vendors, other dealers and Wallace employees.”
Lead photo courtesy of: Eric McKinney (6:12 Photography)
