Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
With more than 500 confirmed cases in the U.S. of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, the home improvement market is beginning to feel the effects.
Thus far, many prominent home improvement events have either been canceled or postponed, including Eisenwarenmesse (the International Hardware Fair), the Inspired Home Show, the American Coatings Show & Conference and Ace Hardware Corp.’s annual spring convention.
The National Hardware Show, which is scheduled to take place May 5-7 in Las Vegas, is still on track, but event officials say they are monitoring the situation closely.
In a statement from March 4, event organizers say they do not take visitors’ concerns regarding COVID-19 lightly.
“The National Hardware Show firmly believes in the importance of an industry gathering place and is committed to hosting the Show as planned May 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Please know that the health and safety of exhibitors, attendees, industry partners and staff is, and will always be, our number one priority. We are collaborating closely with the Las Vegas Convention Center and local public health authorities and following local, state and federal public health guidelines, including those issued by the CDC. If their advice and guidelines are updated, we will immediately let you know,” the organizers say in a statement.
The NRHA All-Industry Conference is scheduled to take place alongside the National Hardware Show, and association CEO Bob Cutter says NRHA prioritizes the health and safety of all event attendees.
“We are communicating regularly with the National Hardware Show regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on industry events,” says NRHA CEO Bob Cutter. “We have confidence in the leadership of the organization to prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved, and we will continue to update our members as we receive new information.”
COVID-19 Retail Resources
Have questions about how COVID-19 may impact your business? The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released helpful information about the virus, including a timeline, an interview with NRF CEO Matthew Shay and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Access the COVID-19 guide now to keep your staff and customers safe.
