Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Spring market season is here, and retailers from across the industry are traveling and gathering to discover the latest products, meet other retailers and glean valuable educational insights from industry professionals.
Leaders from the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) will be at these markets, presenting at clinics and workshops on topics that include business best practices, retail strategy, merchandising techniques, employee education and more. Here’s a look at what to expect from NHPA at the markets this spring:
Orgill Dealer Market
NHPA director of education and training, Cody Goeppner, will be at Orgill’s 2026 Dealer Market, presenting on building, maintaining and motivating today’s employees. Goeppner will answer the questions: “What’s the secret to assembling a dynamic, energetic and focused team?” and “How do you keep this team motivated and create a culture of innovation and excellence?”
Addressing the fundamental shifts in the value independent home improvement retailers offer their customers over the last five years, Dan Tratensek, NHPA chief operating officer, will facilitate a workshop at the market, focused on the new retail value proposition. During this session, expect to discuss what this new value model looks like and how retailers can better understand how to adapt their operations to meet new customer expectations.
Ace Hardware Spring Convention
Discussing how to navigate change in the industry, like economic swings, labor shortages, emerging technologies, shifting customer behaviors and supply chain disruption, and learning how to embrace it will be the focus of this virtual training session led by Cody Goeppner and NHPA editor and director of content development, Lindsey Thompson. Attendees will learn how to lead a team through uncertainty and leave with practical tools to navigate disruption with confidence.
Do it Best & True Value Spring Market
Scott Wright, NHPA president, will host a session at the Do it Best & True Value Spring Market’s Knowledge Central, focused on optimizing your salesfloor.
NHPA will also be at the Blish-Mize Spring Buying Market in March and NHS Concept to Commerce, with key presentations from Wright and Goeppner.
