In 2025, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) marked 125 years serving the independent home improvement channel and fulfilling its mission of helping independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers, regardless of affiliations, become better and more profitable …

In August, Ace Hardware marked one year since it unveiled its experiential store format, ELEVATE³ Ace, which reimagines the traditional hardware store by creating immersive brand experiences in four key areas: paint, power, backyard and barbecue and home preservation. Since …

Amazon released portable Just Walk Out lanes to bring checkout-free shopping to pop-up venues. The lanes can be deployed in hours instead of weeks, making them ideal for pop-up shops and events. Motorized gates open automatically while screens display purchases …

Bank of America Institute research released last week found that overall, consumers were price conscious last year. When making discretionary purchases, they favored smaller-ticket items rather than more expensive goods and services. An expected increase in tax refunds in 2026 …

Home Hardware Stores Limited has named Dale MacPherson as the recipient of the 2025 Supply Build Canada Industry Achievement Award, recognizing his more than 52 years of leadership and service to Home Hardware and Canada’s home improvement industry. The Supply …

Last week during the National Retail Federation’s NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show, over 1,000 vendors and service providers gave attendees a look at the future of retail, sharing innovative products and game-changing processes and procedures. A number of exhibitors also …

Between constant price changes from tariffs, rising labor costs, a soft housing market and dropping consumer confidence, to say last year was challenging for retailers would be an understatement. While they can’t control outside factors, there are ways retailers can …

Exploring the future of retail with an eye on the current state of the industry, over 40,000 attendees converged on New York City for the National Retail Federation’s NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show. Over three days, retailers, vendors, service providers, …