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The National Hardware Show® today announced the top 10 finalists for the first Reimagine Retail program, which will award $100,000 to an independent home improvement retailer to invest in a business improvement project.
More than 100 retailers submitted plans to improve their businesses in the areas of store design, technology, employees and products. The grand prize winner will be announced on the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) Village Stage at the National Hardware Show at 2 p.m. May 10.
The National Hardware Show started the Reimagine Retail program as an opportunity to invest in the future of independent home improvement businesses.
A panel of industry professionals selected the following 10 finalists:
Caribou Jack’s Trading Co., Soda Springs, Idaho
In Soda Springs, Idaho, Caribou Jack’s Trading Co. customers have a connection to grilling at the store. If chosen to receive the $100,000 prize, the business will use the prize money to build an in-store cafe, combining the farm-to-table and grilling experiences. In addition to hosting grilling and cooking events, Caribou Jack’s plans to allow community organizations to access the space at no charge, and build a space within the next three years to grow the produce used in the cafe. The company also plans to develop an app to help groups coordinate events in the space.
Debbie Supply, Inc., East Rochester, New York
Debbie Supply opened 60 years ago as a plumbing wholesaler in East Rochester, New York, and has grown into a full-service hardware operation. If it receives the prize money, the business will buy new service equipment: a pipe-threading and cutting machine, a key-cutting machine and a paint mixer. In addition to the physical equipment, Debbie Supply will invest in upgraded computer systems to support the new equipment to better serve its customers.
K Hardware Stores, Idaho Falls, Idaho
K Hardware Stores in Idaho Falls, Idaho, wants to use prize money to build an electronic solution for customers who need products while they’re in the middle of projects and don’t want to stop working to wander a store. Instead of leaving shoppers to ask someone else to buy the product and risk getting the wrong item, the operators of K Hardware envision an app that allows customers to preorder the correct item and get curbside pickup at the store.
La Grange Park Ace Hardware, La Grange Park, Illinois
Meeting customers’ needs can be challenging if a store doesn’t have the right configuration. La Grange Park Ace Hardware in La Grange Park, Illinois, wants to address its challenges in this area by using the prize money to remove its current checkout counter, allow space for more impulse items and implement mobile checkout. With mobile checkout, La Grange Park customers will be able to complete their purchases anywhere in the store or from the parking lot.
Logan Hardware, Washington, D.C.
How much business does your in-store service lose because your customers can’t find time to bring the project to you? The answer, according to Logan Hardware in Washington, D.C., is mobile window-screen repair. The company wants to use the Reimagine Retail prize money to develop an app that will connect customers to screen repair services that come to them. The app could connect customers with other service providers, as well.
Mark’s Supply, Frackville and Shenandoah, Pennsylvania
Mark’s Supply, in Frackville and Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, cares about its community and wants to give back. If the company receives the prize money, it will update its storefront and invest in renewable energy solutions for the store. In addition, the business will build an outdoor pavilion where farmers and crafters can sell their goods. The new space would be expected to increase foot traffic and inspire other retailers and entrepreneurs to open in the empty storefronts in the area.
Parry’s, Hamilton, New York
A greenhouse is the solution for Parry’s in Hamilton, New York. The retailer plans to use the $100,000 prize money toward renovating the store to add space for local food, craft beer and cider and adding a permanent greenhouse to accommodate lawn and garden items and seasonal merchandise. Parry’s is confident that this project would create a destination for locals and tourists.
Sandpoint Super Drug, Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint Super Drug in Sandpoint, Idaho, is well known in its community for being the go-to pharmacy and is planning to revitalize the hardware side of its business by improving communication options for customers. The business operators were inspired to create a customer consultation center that will allow customers to contact store representatives through many digital platforms, including social media and live chat.
Shaw Hardware Store Inc., Plattsmouth, Nebraska
Shaw Hardware in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, plans to use the prize money to improve its online presence, renovate the existing store to add more salesfloor space and create a local for local craftspeople to teach classes on crafts or artforms. These plans build on what already exists at the store, which hosts classes at the local community college and in the store.
Woods Hardware, Cincinnati, Ohio
Woods Hardware in Cincinnati plans to use the prize money to meet customers’ needs before the shoppers ever make it to the store. The team virtualized a 3-D image of their store and wants to be a leader in omnichannel retailing with the next step. Using meta tags, how-to videos and e-commerce within the program, the virtual hardware store would take customers right to each product and provide a total cost estimate before they visit the store.
