Operations

When we opened our first larger home center 22 years ago, we decided to jump into the live goods business. We had never been in the garden center business before, so it was all new to us. Needless to say, …

No other event this year will bring the independent channel together or provide meaningful ROI like the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI), hosted by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and The Hardware Conference. Drawing together retailers, …

All retailers “slip” sometimes on most aspects of delivering their customer service. It is natural and unavoidable. But can these slips be neutralized in the minds of your customers? I’ve reviewed hundreds of customer surveys with candid comments about store …

Always ready. Always there. The venerable motto of the U.S. National Guard is what Tim Kromholtz lived out during his time in the Washington Air National Guard and still adheres to in his executive role in the independent home improvement …

While not unique to the independent channel, wage challenges can cause extra stress on small business owners already juggling tight margins. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2026, wages rose more than expected, increasing 0.4% for …

While market conditions remain reasonably strong for most remodelers, the industry is continuing to experience rising costs and some customer hesitation due to policy and economic uncertainty. Currently, remodeling demand is being supported primarily by an aging housing stock, strong …

For 80 years, Seashore Ace Home & Outdoor Living has been the go-to source for coastal comfort and outdoor living in the seaside community of Stone Harbor, New Jersey. Now in its third generation of family ownership, the store has …

As lawn and garden season accelerates, mid-to-large yard investments are proving to be more strategic and segmented than many may assume. According to the Home Improvement Research Institute’s (HIRI) 2025 Project Decision Study, yard, garden and outdoor projects reflect a …