In the August issue of Hardware Retailing, we asked three retailers in different phases of their careers and one retiree to reflect on their time spent working in the independent hardware and home improvement industry. Each retailer wrote a letter to …
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Every Customer Is an Impulse Sales Opportunity
Every customer who walks into your store is an impulse sales opportunity, according to a study conducted by TimeTrade Systems, Inc., which found that 82 percent of consumers purchase more than they originally planned once they’re in a store. In …
Read More »Hardware Business Surpasses 170 Years of Service
When John L. Clark opened Clark’s Farm Supplies in 1845, he likely had no inkling that his family would continue to supply the Ellicott City, Maryland, community with quality products and project advice nearly two centuries later. Now known as Clarks Ace …
Read More »Store Cashing in on ‘Pokemon Go’ Craze
The mural on the side of Maxbauer Ace Hardware depicts Traverse City, Michigan—but when “Pokemon Go” players go to the store, they see a digital cartoon character on the wall. And that’s OK with the staff at Maxbauer Ace. When …
Read More »Building Materials Sales’ Impact on Lowe’s, Home Depot
Consumers are dedicating time and money to home improvement projects this summer, and June was a hot month for spending in the building materials category. Forbes reported that sales in building materials were up 3.9 percent in June, and overall …
Read More »Independent Hardware Retailers Set Sights on Expansion
This year, nearly 85 precent of all independent home improvement retailers say they plan on adding new products to their stores and a full 66 percent say they plan to add or expand entire categories as ways to grow topline sales and …
Read More »Deals, Savings and More at World and Main Fall Market
The World and Main Houston Fall Buying Market will be held July 28–30 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Along with discounts of as much as 75 percent, along with market buys and cash spiffs available only …
Read More »New Lowe’s TV Series to Feature DIY Blogger
As more consumers head online to stream television shows and watch video clips, Lowe’s is making sure to get in on the action. The big box retailer has a new streaming show, called The Weekender, which is a 10-part original series …
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