Promoting “quality of life” benefits can help small businesses stand out among competitors that are vying for employees, according to business owners interviewed for an article from USA Today. Decreasing national unemployment has resulted in fewer applicants for jobs with small businesses, USA Today reports. In …

Did you know that the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) produces new training tools every month, launched two new business services this year and has leadership training scholarships available for retailers? NRHA wants to make sure you’re always in the …

After nearly 25 years working with 65,000 square feet of retail space, the owners of Bomberger’s Ace Hardware thought they would switch gears with the new store. “This new store is going to be completely different. It’s about 7,500 square feet,” …

Central Network Retail Group (CNRG), a multiformat, multibrand retailer that operates stores in 11 states, is buying McLendon Hardware. The fourth generation of the McLendon family currently owns McLendon Hardware, which has seven stores in Washington state. CNRG currently operates 90 hardware stores, home …

To view a PDF of this story, click here. The Industry’s Two Largest Retail Associations Forge Closer Ties In early February, the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and the Paint and Decorating Retailers Association (PDRA) released a joint announcement …

PRO Group recently announced that Village Supply is the latest wholesale distributor member to join the buying group. The Ceres, California-based Village Supply has joined PRO Group to take advantage of the organization’s marketing, purchasing and operational strengths. Village Supply serves hardware …

Sears Holdings Corp. has acknowledged “substantial doubt” in its ability to stay out of bankruptcy, which may kill recent sales of its businesses, such as Craftsman. The struggling retailer released its annual report on Tuesday, and the news was dismal. Based on information from …

Lowe’s recently launched a virtual reality tool in its Framingham, Massachusetts, store that provides customers with a hands-on training experience for DIY projects, reports Fortune. The new tool, which Lowe’s calls the Holoroom How To, trains users how to install tile in a bathroom …