Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Hardlines Distribution Alliance (HDA) has merged with North American Tool Suppliers (NATS) in a move that will further bolster HDA’s robust network among the independent channel. NATS boasts 19 distributor members and over 60 suppliers, which will join HDA’s group of over 50 member distributors and 400 manufacturer partners.
Founded in 2010 by Sandor Epstein in Brooklyn, New York, NATS was built to join warehouse distributors of automotive and industrial tools and equipment. Their customer base includes automotive parts stores, programmed tool dealers, government entities and contracts and dealerships, mechanics and garages specializing in all aspects of automotive specialty tools, including a full range of diagnostic equipment.
NATS members also carry tools to service and repair all major systems, including pliers, wrenches and other hand tools that intersect with the traditional home improvement sector in which many HDA members operate. Much in the same way HDA strives to foster collaboration within its network, NATS’ goals are to provide a forum to exchange marketing strategies, product information and technology.
“Having attended a recent HDA conference, I had the opportunity to meet with Steve and discover their organization is highly respected within the industry,” says Epstein, president at NATS. “Having led the NATS organization since its inception more than 15 years ago, I quickly recognized that our values are closely aligned, and our shared philosophy can allow us to bring even greater value to the industries we serve. By joining forces, we will create a dynamic organization poised for exponential growth.”
With streamlined membership under the HDA umbrella, manufacturers will have the opportunity to structure programs to reach over 70 distributor members and interact with larger audiences at hosted events. HDA and NATS will have the opportunity to efficiently combine the NATS Spring Meeting with HDA’s highly interactive Group Merchandising Conference in May and the Executive Planning Conference in November. Both vendor partners and distributor members will have greater access to key decision makers in the independent channel, further boosting growth and expansion.
“I have admired Sandor’s leadership at NATS and their expertise in the automotive tools and equipment market,” says Steve Synnott, CEO at HDA. “Both NATS and HDA’s dedication to creating value for member distributors and manufacturers will help both organizations expand their respective product offerings. We are confident that by joining forces, we will create a stronger, more dynamic organization by preserving the best of both cultures and empowering our combined teams to succeed.”
Combined with value-added services, materials available on the HDA Portal, and the Central Pay System, both HDA and NATS members will have access to expanded resources and vendor programs to grow within the channel and serve their customers, end users and communities. With deeper collaboration, the merger of two robust groups further cements the independent channel as a key player shaping the hardlines industry.
