Association Model Store Puts Merchandising Into Practice

During its 125-year history, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has always focused on its members and helping independent retailers be better and more profitable. One of those ways was the association’s model store that was housed in the headquarters in Indianapolis starting in 1952.

The completely equipped model hardware store had nothing for sale except ideas and was open to retailers, wholesalers and manufactures to glean merchandising and display ideas, test customer service procedures and experiment with new merchandising concepts.

“Serving the needs of hundreds of stores is a responsibility and a challenge—you never really find a stopping place. It is gratifying to see the programs and services of the association continually helping the hardware retailers to more efficient management and better customer service.” —William Sheely, Managing Director

According to a 1950s brochure from the association, the model store offered day-to-day exposure for retailers from across the country to view new merchandise and new merchandising ideas. For vendors who participated in the model store program, the association offered them a complimentary mailing to all hardware stores and other retail outlets sharing about their products.

Those vendors were also included in a monthly bulletin, the Hoosier Hardware News, and the association kept an up-to-date list of sales representatives to share with retailers. Participating retailers received a management report each year of their store operating costs and sales and received the monthly Hoosier Hardware News and Hoosier Hardware Guide at the end of the year.