Happy Birthday NHPA!

Your association will celebrate 125 years of service in 2025.

The start of this coming new year means a little bit more to the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA). When the clock strikes midnight to usher in 2025, NHPA will begin its yearlong celebration, marking 125 years as the trade association for the independent home improvement industry.

We can’t wait to share the storied history of the association, how the independent channel has evolved through the years, the historical events that have impacted the industry and how NHPA plans to continue supporting independents. In 2025, we’ll include 125th anniversary content in each monthly issue of Hardware Retailing and share stories in our daily e-newsletters and on social media. We’ll look at those individuals who have impacted NHPA and the independent channel, highlight partner retailers, vendors and wholesalers and revisit the fan-favorite Mr. Oswald comic strip series. Also be on the lookout for special merchandise at YourNHPA.org/shop.

Along with the 125th anniversary, NHPA will also be bringing you engaging programing to help you become better and more profitable. Here’s a look at what’s in store for next year.

Helmets to Home Improvement Program

To honor the ongoing impact veterans make throughout the home improvement industry, NHPA is launching the Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with the National Hardware Show as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner. The program will officially kick off at the 2025 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas and culminate with a gala event to honor the industry’s military veterans in person at the 2026 National Hardware Show. Visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to learn more.

Retail Management Certification Program

Built for owners and managers in the home improvement industry, the NHPA Retail Management Certification Program teaches skills to grow store sales and profits in today’s changing retail landscape. More than 300 retailers have been a part of the learning experience, gaining new skills that have allowed them to manage and drive their businesses to higher levels of performance. Learn more at YourNHPA.org/RMCP.

NHPA Industry Events and Awards

After a highly successful inaugural year for the Independent Home Improvement Conference in 2024,
the event that brings together the industry will be back in 2025. We’re excited to welcome retailers, vendors
and other industry players for education, networking and fun. In 2025, NHPA will honor the 29th class of Young Retailer of the Year honorees and bring back the Top Guns Awards program for the 19th year.
The Young Retailer of the Year program recognizes outstanding retailers 35 years and younger, while Top
Guns highlights exceptional retailers who are making a major impact in their operations, communities and the channel. Learn more at YourNHPA.org/YROTY and YourNHPA.org/top-guns.

Cost of Doing Business Study

We need your help! Keep an eye out for the opening of submissions for the NHPA Cost of Doing Business
Study. NHPA has been offering this benchmark report for over 100 years, providing the latest data you need to keep your operation on track. The study presents composite income statements and balance sheets plus averages for key financial performance ratios. Learn more at YourNHPA.org/CODB.

Foundations of Retail

NHPA offers Foundations of Retail courses to help managers and key employees understand the concepts
of leadership, personal development, merchandising and more. These online courses are built with flexibility
for busy schedules and feature industry-specific training created with the help of industry-leading
retailers. Foundations of Merchandising Management Live! will also be back at the National Hardware Show
in 2025, where it will provide industry-focused and practical merchandising best practices. Learn more at
YourNHPA.org/foundations.