As independent retailers work to find quality employees, one audience that can be tapped into is teenagers and college students. While many in the independent home improvement channel already utilize a younger workforce, for those who don’t, here are some …
Read More »Lindsey Thompson
Consumer Price Index Inched Up at End of 2024
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis in December, after rising 0.3% in November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The all items index rose 2.9% for the 12 …
Read More »Independent Retailers Stand Strong During Greater Los Angeles Wildfires
In the last two weeks, major wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have killed 27 people and destroyed more than 14,000 structures. Several in the independent home improvement retail community have been directly impacted, including the Orlandini family, owners …
Read More »AI Brings the Buzz at NRF 2025
Billed as “Retail’s Big Show,” NRF 2025 brought together the biggest names in retail for educational sessions, networking and product discovery. Hosted by the National Retail Federation (NFR), NRF 2025 took place in New York City from Jan. 12-14. John …
Read More »Association Model Store Puts Merchandising Into Practice
The Life and Legacy of Mister Oswald
When it comes to pop culture icons, he may not be mainstream, but Mister Oswald has garnered celebrity status and a loyal following in the hardware industry. He first appeared in the comic strip bearing his same name in October …
Read More »Paint and Sundries Score High for Cross-Purchases
The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) released its 2024 Home Improvement Retail Selector Study in late 2024. The study looked at the customers’ motivations to shop at brick-and-mortar locations for their home improvement needs. For 49% of respondents, offering a variety of …
Read More »The History of the Paint & Decorating Retailers Association
On May 18, 1947, the Retail Paint and Wallpaper Distributors of America (RPWDA) was announced in Chicago, Illinois, to represent retail paint and wallpaper distributors throughout the country. The following year, the first RPWDA trade show was held in Chicago. …
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