Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
The 2025 National Hardware Show is in the rearview, but excitement over the new offerings is still felt through the industry. Kathryn Emery, lifestyle expert and NHS correspondent, sat down with Hardware Retailing after the show and shared her insights into what made this year’s show excellent.
Hardware Retailing (HR): What did you love about the How Women Rise in Hardware program?
Kathryn Emery (KE): How Women Rise in Hardware is a testament to how far the home improvement industry has come. A program dedicated to celebrate the achievements of outstanding women inspiring, leading, blazing a path to inspire others only attracts more high-quality people to our thriving industry. Spearheaded by an industry trailblazer herself, Stefanie Couch, created Build Women to motivate other women and show them how to get ahead in a traditionally male-dominated industry. At the end of the day however, the lessons taught could be utilized by anyone looking to rise in the industry, and it was a very positive, connected part of the show across the board.
HR: What were your favorite parts of NHS?
KE: It’s always the people—NHS is “the event that unites the home improvement industry” truly. Not only are there retailers, buyers and inventors, there are influencers, press, manufacturers, wholesalers, people just starting out, people in the industry for decades. It truly is the place where you can come learn, meet new friends, see familiar faces and all the products. I love seeing what is new, what’s trending and more in person.
HR: What feedback were you hearing from attendees and vendors?
KE: There is an appetite for more participants at the show, and NHS is listening. There will be a new format coming in 2026 where the interactive see-and-learn about products portion will be open to the public, with hands-on demonstrations and more. It will be the home improvement party of the year!
