Operations

By Brian Young Founder, Laoch Consulting Three years ago, I experienced a moment that left an indelible mark on me. I was sitting with my friend of over 20 years. He had poured his life into his hardware store for …

By Luke Vander Linden, Vice President of Membership & Marketing, Retail & Hospitality ISAC Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for big-name companies to make the news as victims of cyberattacks. But small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are at risk too, though …

From political leaders to CEOs, sports to the military, leaders come in all shapes and sizes, but the one attribute most have in common is a strong group of people supporting them. Having a solid team around them not only …

Moving into the second quarter of 2025, the labor market continues to tell the same story: more job openings than people looking for jobs. In February 2025, the number of unemployed people was 7.1 million, according to the U.S. Bureau …

By Daniel Kurash Certainly the point of any business is to make money. But how we get there is an obstacle every business faces. Whether it’s the independent channel where multiple departments garner different margins or a more service-based endeavor …

In this special digital issue, you’ll get a retailer-focused look at fastener trends, proven merchandising strategies and what customers are looking for in this key category. Plus, explore featured products and insights from four leading fastener manufacturers. Dive in now and discover …

With 13 locations in southwest Florida, Sunshine Ace Hardware has made a concerted effort to engage with employees across each of the operation’s locations. The company has created an employee engagement team with one to two associates at each store who …

As the 2024 Retail Management Certification Program came to a close last month, 17 hardware and home improvement professionals celebrated more than just the completion of a course—they marked a turning point in their careers. Over the past several months, …