Many retailers are still knee deep in ice melt, snow shovels and ice scrapers, but this month kicks off the spring market season with hot deals, educational sessions and networking opportunities. Each buying market is unique, as is the process …

By Mike Aylen With the spring market season upon us, in this Inside the Margin article, I will be looking at the best ways to get the most out of your attendance at spring markets with gross profit in mind. …

By Tony Corsberg As we are entering the market buying season, I would like to offer some insights to help retailers achieve success with their market buys to benefit all segments of our independent channel. Manufacturers, co-ops and distributors invest …

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 …