By Adam Gunnett Director of IT & Business Intelligence Busy Beaver Building Centers Inc. In hardware retail, effective employee communication is essential for smooth operations and a positive workplace culture. Using intent-based communication mapping allows managers to categorize information by …
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Expert Column: Advice for Young Retailers to Stay the Course
By Gary Pittsford Partner & Chief Valuation Officer (ret.) and Consultant Creative Planning Business Services In August, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognized its 2024 Young Retailer of the Year honorees at the Independent Home Improvement Conference. …
Read More »Expert Column: Retail Accounting 101
By Gina Schaefer Founder and Former CEO A Few Cool Hardware Stores When I launched our first store in 2003, I knew that managing “the numbers” wasn’t going to be my strong suit. I also knew that it was vital …
Read More »Stay Cool: 2 Ways to Upgrade Your HVAC Category
In 2024, 39% of homeowners said they had to make a repair to their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, according to the USA Today Homefront 2024 Home Maintenance Survey, and 33% of homeowners regretted not knowing how to …
Read More »You Need This Tool: 2024 Cost of Doing Business Study
The latest data you need to keep your operation on track is now available. For over 100 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has surveyed home improvement operators throughout the U.S. to develop the benchmark report known …
Read More »Retailer Insights: Taking Time for the How and the Why
By Jared Brown Director of Business Intelligence The Aubuchon Co. I recently had a deep conversation with a peer who boasts over five decades of experience—he’s been working in hardware since before I was born. Despite our experience and age …
Read More »NHPA’s Foundations of Retail Program Elevates Employees for Leadership
Understanding key concepts of leadership, personal development and merchandising are crucial to being a successful retail manager. The Foundations of Retail Program, led by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA), offers comprehensive online courses to prepare your key …
Read More »Wholesaler Central: Optimizing Product Assortments by Leveraging Consumer Data
IN TODAY’S COMPETITIVE MARKET, having the right products on store shelves is crucial to an operation’s success. Do it Best leverages data to ensure its members’ stores are stocked with the products their customers need. “With data from over 4,000 …
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