In the final weeks of 2020, it was clear COVID-19 had affected every person in some way: physically, financially, emotionally. Amid the volatility of the year, U.S. retail sales rose and fell dramatically and ultimately ended on a positive note …
Read More »COVID-19
Clarks Ace Makes Anniversary a Time for Generosity
For the 175th anniversary of Clarks Ace Hardware, owner Margaret Clark had planned on making 2020 memorable by hosting events and making generous contributions to the community. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made the celebration even more significant. …
Read More »Now Streaming: 2020 Market Measure Webinar
Recently, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) hosted a webinar focused on the 2020 Market Measure report, the annual overview of the forces and factors affecting the home improvement marketplace. Sponsored by Epicor, the webinar gave independent home …
Read More »Review the Latest COVID-19 Retail Restrictions
During the 2020 holiday shopping season, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) is striving to keep independent home improvement retailers informed of the latest COVID-19 guidance. Take a moment to review a state-by-state overview of current restrictions on …
Read More »Timely Tech Investments Pay Off for Washington Lumberyard
In the early days of March, Cheryl Brown and the Knudson Lumber team in the Kittitas Valley of Washington were busy putting the final touches on a new addition to the 80-year-old family business: an e-commerce site. Since 1940, Knudson …
Read More »New COVID-19 Retail Restrictions Set in California
New restrictions meant to slow the spread of COVID-19 went into effect this weekend in California, impacting roughly 33 million people in the state, CNN reports. Approximately 27 million residents in San Joaquin Valley and southern California, which includes Los …
Read More »Monitoring the Market: Q4 2020
Monitoring market trends in consumer sentiment, home improvement rates and construction figures can help you anticipate emerging opportunities for your business. Use the tables below to get a deeper understanding of a few of the forces affecting independent home improvement. …
Read More »COVID-19 Has Changed Consumer Buying Preferences
Anxiety about COVID-19 has shifted where and how people will shop for the holidays. Research from professional services firm Deloitte shows that more than half of shoppers feel anxious about in-store shopping due to the pandemic. Independent home improvement retailers …
Read More »