Motivating employees to work hard is a challenge managers will always face because some associates are naturally driven to do their best every day while others lack initiative. Employee appreciation lunches, discounts on products and other recognition methods all boost …

With July Fourth approaching, Americans are flying U.S. flags, finalizing parade and other event plans, buying fireworks and reflecting on their country’s heritage. This patriotic time is ideal for reminding your community of your identity as a local, hometown operation. …

To download a PDF of this story, click here. Visit hardwareretailing.com/shoplocal to download the marketing material presented in this story or download holiday-themed signage.  It’s a Fact: Shopping at Independent Home Improvement Retailers Builds Stronger Communities By Kate Klein, kklein@nrha.org and Sara Logel slogel@nrha.org Main Street used to serve as the go-to …

More than ever, consumers are looking to brick-and-mortar stores for an experience that helps them validate their final purchasing decisions, despite their extensive online retail options. TimeTrade, an online appointment scheduling software company, recently conducted a survey of 1,029 consumers …

To remain competitive in today’s home improvement industry, all facets of your business must be top-notch and meet the needs of your market. Offering excellent customer service, while important, will not overcome high prices and a limited product mix. Today’s …

Online retailers provide convenience and ample product options to consumers, yet they lack one thing – an in-person experience. More and more online-only stores are recognizing the advantages brick-and-mortar businesses have, and are beginning to open flagship stores of their …

Bad customer service experiences and unsolved shopper problems at retail stores make retaining customers hard. And lost customers mean less revenue. LoyaltyOne, a global leader in designing and implementing customer loyalty programs, and Verde Group, a research consultancy company, conducted a study to …

Are consumers using coupons? Yes. Thirty-one percent of respondents to a RetailMeNot study indicate they have redeemed a coupon or promotional code online and 28 percent have done so in stores. This data shows that coupons aren’t outdated, but can …