The Western Retail Lumber Association‘s (WRLA) Building & Hardware Showcase in-person event has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, a virtual event hosted on the association’s app and inside the Yardstick publication has been planned, event organizers …
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New Data Reveals What’s Motivating DIY Projects
New data from market research firm Consumer Specialists is shedding light on exactly how COVID-19 has impacted DIYers’ home improvement habits. The report is based on research conducted by Consumer Specialists with a nationally representative sample of more than 600 …
Read More »Register Now for the National Hardware Virtual Show and NRHA All-Industry Conference
The National Hardware Show (NHS) and the North American Retail Hardware Association’s (NRHA) All-Industry Conference are going virtual! From Oct. 12-15, the National Hardware Show will launch its virtual show and NRHA’s All-Industry Conference will be co-located with the show, offering …
Read More »Analyzing U.S. Unemployment Rates in 2020
One of COVID-19’s biggest impacts on retail is the unemployment rate it has left in its wake. In January, U.S. unemployment stood at 3.6 percent, but rose sharply by April to 14.7 percent as the pandemic forced many businesses to …
Read More »Review 2020’s Most Active Home Improvement Product Categories
The 2020 Retail Selector Study from market research firms The Farnsworth Group and the Home Improvement Research Institute is a thorough overview of the current home improvement marketplace, packed with more than 300 pages on what’s motivating shoppers, where they’re …
Read More »True Value’s Fall V-Union Kicks Off Sept. 29
True Value’s 2020 Fall V-Union, its first virtual Reunion, is slated to start Sept. 29 and run until Oct. 1. Registration for the event is now open to all retailers. The V-Union will be available via any internet-connected device, and attendees will …
Read More »Lowe’s to Install Contactless Pickup Lockers Nationwide
Big-box home improvement chain Lowe’s has announced plans to install pickup lockers at all of its 1,700 U.S. stores by the end of March. The company says the self-service lockers are a safe way for customers to access same-day online …
Read More »Home Hardware Recaps 2020 Virtual Market
Home Hardware is celebrating the success of its 2020 Virtual Fall Market, which began Sept. 13 and ran until Sept. 23. “We are thrilled with the success of our 2020 Virtual Fall Market, which built on the experience and capabilities …
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