According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), residential construction employment is now at 3.4 million, with 961,000 builders and 2.4 million residential speciality trade contractors.  In December 2024, construction workers saw a 5.5% unemployment rate. This is slightly …

The 2024 State of the Industry Report published by Garden Center cites the rise of sales in annuals and perennials, with independent garden centers (IGCs) reporting perennial sales growth increasing from 17% to 24% in 2024. Hardware Retailing suggests stocking …

Westlake Ace Hardware recently announced its acquisition of Augusta Ace Home Center in Augusta, Kansas. The acquisition will occur on March 17. Augusta Ace Home Center is currently owned by Pat and Diane Herian, who have owned the store for …

The Garden Center State of the Industry Report documents the health of the independent garden center industry, tracking trends and economic activity. According to Garden Center’s 2024 report, the industry’s growth is slowing after the COVID sales boom and garden centers …

Noble Ace Hardware store owner, Robert A. Noble III, recently completed the sale of three store locations—in Rutland, Vermont and Cobleskill and Cambridge, New York—to The Aubuchon Company.  The settlement will be completed on January 23 and the stores will …

A local hardware store in the small town of Waveland, Mississippi, received an unexpected visitor last October from across the pond. A documentary production company based in the United Kingdom reached out to David Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Waveland Hardware, …

The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) recently released the Generational Differences in Home Improvement Activity report, detailing data about behaviors, insights and preferences homeowners in different generations experience.  Among the data provided in the study, HIRI reports Millennials are more …

For homeowners looking to upgrade and revamp their spaces, a new year brings opportunity for a clean slate and fresh ideas. Houzz recently highlighted 34 design trends that are expected to stand out in 2025.  Hardware Retailing chose products in …