Operations

Despite an increase in holiday spending, retailers are facing a financial crunch with an increase in holiday returns that will cost them more money. Holiday spending between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24 was up 8.5 percent in 2021, according to …

Every month, HomCo Lumber & Hardware hosts a group interview, whether they’re looking to fill open positions in the store or not. These group interviews have become an integral part of the operation’s hiring process. While many retailers are struggling …

The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) continuously provides home improvement consumer data to its members to aid them in making better business decisions. As part of its efforts, HIRI recently surveyed consumers on their shopping habits and found that 59.2 …

An outside sale program can lead to a lucrative and reliable stream of revenue for your company. It’s likely a program you’ll build slowly over time as your sales representatives create long-term relationships with customers. Hardware Retailing gathered these tips …

Setting up an outside sales program can open up a whole new stream of revenue for your business. There’s a set of customers out there who will reward you with long-term, consistent sales if you can cater to their unique …

The 2021 Cost of Doing Business Study presents the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) annual financial and operational profile of independent hardware stores, home centers, lumber and building materials outlets and paint and decorating outlets.  This study assesses …

Katie Thomas is the lead of the Kearney Consumer Institute (KCI), acting as the architect of Kearney’s consumer-first approach to a broad variety of industries. She is the firm’s chief spokesperson on all things consumer, from overseeing cutting-edge research projects …

Nadia Evangelou is a senior economist and director of forecasting at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). She focuses on regional and local market housing trends, including the effects of changing demographic and migration patterns, and has been involved in research …