Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. By Jesse Carleton, jcarleton@nrha.org Showtime for Endcaps Imagine for a moment that each of the various types of merchandising around your store have their own personalities. The regular runs of …

While we’ve all learned the best practices of merchandising at one time or another, it’s likely we let some of it slide when business gets busy. The start of a new year is a good time to reestablish those good …

There’s a colony of PVC people living in the windows of Main Street Ace Hardware. The store, in the heart of downtown Bowling Green, Ohio, has large windows that face the street. Staff use items commonly found around the hardware …

Just days after ringing in the new year, retailers hit the floor of the 2018 United Hardware January Buying Market, seeking new products and niche opportunities. United Hardware also used the market, held January 5-7 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, …

Click the image above to view a full PDF. Many entrepreneurs setting out to buy a business look for one that’s healthy, where risks are minimal and the probability for success is high. It’s a good, safe bet few would argue …

When Len Hunt found an antique refrigerator for sale on eBay, he knew it was an offer he couldn’t pass up. “We removed the doors, painted them with some specialty craft paint and then attached the door to the wall …

Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. By Jesse Carleton, jcarleton@nrha.org Rental at Kempker’s True Value started out the way it might at countless other independent home improvement businesses. Owner Chuck Kempker rented tools and equipment mostly to contractors. …

More than likely, as you’re getting started or expanding your special event category, some items will become clear customer favorites. Hardware Retailing spoke with Chuck Kempker, who has four hardware store and rental locations in southeastern Iowa, and Chuck Shipp, …