Operations

By Curtis Gillman Sometimes the real problem isn’t ignorance, it’s exhaustion. Day-to-day operations can consume so much time and attention that meaningful improvements feel impossible. Leadership teams become trapped in what Chris McChesney, Sean Covey and Jim Huling describe in …

Celebrating three decades of exceptional retailers under the age of 35, the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Young Retailer of the Year Awards program highlights the efforts of young retailers. NHPA’s Young Retailer of the Year program identifies …

For years, private label has been viewed primarily as a margin play. Across the independent home improvement channel, retailers consistently point to higher margins and price competitiveness as the primary reasons for carrying private label products. In many stores, private …

While many retailers jumped on offering buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the service continues to provide an extra layer of customer service and a way for retailers to differentiate. BOPIS also brings customers through your …

Retailers and wholesalers are gearing up for a full fall market season, preparing to secure the best deals, network with fellow industry members and learn best practices to enhance their businesses. Markets across the country each offer their own unique …

Sponsored by Quikrete Outdoor living is an essential part of everyday life for many homeowners, with more tackling larger projects and curating spaces outside the home. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study, personalized projects that are both …

Serving as a key driver of customer counts and transaction size, promotions bring customers into your store and encourage them to make more or larger purchases. As the busy summer selling season wraps up and retailers begin to promote upcoming …

Any retailer worth their salt will tell you that “because we’ve always done it that way” isn’t a good reason to avoid change. The problem isn’t that operators don’t believe that statement. It’s that far too many don’t live it. …