Operations

Looking at how fellow independent home improvement operations perform throughout the year gives retailers in the channel a benchmark for improving their own operations. Since 2022, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has partnered with The Farnsworth Group …

When creating outdoor spaces, homeowners are not only building areas to gather and enjoy fresh air, but are making these spaces extensions of their home. According to the 2026 Outdoor Living Report from Deckorators, homeowners look for a balance of …

Bringing together the independent channel for two days of education, industry insights and networking, the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) will send attendees back to their operations with practical takeaways and applicable best practices. The IHI Conference will …

Research from The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) suggests opportunities for independent retailers supplying materials for decking projects are evolving. Success now depends less on simple availability and more on how well retailers respond to a more deliberate and assurance-seeking …

Celebrating its 20th year honoring trailblazing retailers in the channel, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has named its 2026 Top Guns Awards honorees, including Jason Blair, CEO of TAL Building Centers, based in the Pacific Northwest. “Top …

Moving swiftly from nice-to-have to a must-have for independent retailers, an e-commerce site provides an additional channel to engage with customers and a path to other revenue streams. In the U.S. Census Bureau Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales Report from the …

According to the National Association of Home Builders, home prices have risen 53% since 2019, while median household income has increased by only 24% in the same time frame. This has lowered the percentage of first-time homebuyers, which dropped to …

Built for owners and managers in the home improvement industry looking to boost their leadership skill set, the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s Retail Management Certification Program (RMCP) is the industry’s premier management school, focusing on growing store sales …