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Jesse Carleton

Jesse Carleton has visited independent hardware retailers, conducted original research on the industry and written extensively about the business of hardware retailing. Jesse has written for more than a dozen of NHPA’s contract publishing titles, all related to the hardware retailing industry. He also was instrumental in developing the Basic Training in Hardware Retailing courses now used by thousands of retailers across the country.

Color Memories are on File at Columbia Paint

paint sample library

Every time staff at Columbia Paint and Wallcover in Columbia, Tennessee, tint a new paint color for a customer, they dot a sample on a card and add it to the store library. The library, which started in the ‘80s, now …

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NHPA Updates Hardware Product Knowledge Courses

The average hardware store has thousands of SKUs, so it’s easy to see why anyone starting a job at a home improvement store could easily be overwhelmed. For many years, retailers have turned to the North American Hardware Association’s (NHPA) …

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4 Keys to Meticulous Merchandising

If you’re trying to attract new shoppers to your business, you only get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a good one by having a spotless salesfloor with impeccable merchandising. Well-trained employees can help you keep …

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3 Reasons to Start Training Now

Invest in Employee Training

If you’ve yet to create an organized training program, don’t wait a minute longer to start. Being successful at retail requires careful attention to operational best practices, such as merchandising, inventory and marketing. Retailers neglect training at their peril. Your …

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Reflections on NHPA’s History: Megan Menzer

As it celebrates 125 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) contacted past board members to get their reflections on their time at the association. Megan Menzer, owner of Newton’s True Value in Cherryvale, Kansas, was a member of …

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Reflections on NHPA’s History: Dan Harris

As it celebrates 125 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) contacted past board members to get their reflections on their time at the association. Dan Harris, owner of Palos Ace Hardware and Lamont Ace Hardware in suburban Chicago, …

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