Operations

Just like any other retailer, Jeff Tilem receives regular shipments of new inventory for his store. But he also receives packages other store owners may not expect—like a model’s wardrobe shipped from Turkey. Tilem, owner of Pioneer Hardware in Beverly …

Your customers already shop your store for all their hardware and housewares needs. A natural extension of those categories? Furniture. About three years ago, Ceva Courtemanche, owner of Hensel’s Ace Hardware in Arcata, Calif., added a 900-square-foot furniture department to …

When Jeff Dyson first purchased M&D Supply, he knew he needed some outside help if he was going to make his business a success. That’s when he began to research the idea of an advisory board. He reached out to …

Most closely held business owners are able to fill up every day working in the business, doing all of the paperwork, helping customers and doing everything necessary to keep the company running. Unfortunately there are still many tasks that do …

Like most every department in the store, rental should see a flurry of activity once the spring weather hits. Tillers and sprayers will likely be rented out every weekend as consumers start spending time in their lawns and gardens. As …

There are two kinds of customers: existing and the ones you haven’t met yet. Right now, 20 percent of your existing customers make up 80 percent of your sales. There are many ways to use this devoted fan base to …

You cannot control business conditions, but what you can control is how you approach your business. Build your business one client at a time, one interaction at a time. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips on how best to attract …

It’s an age-old tale: A new customer comes into your store and you find out he’s renting an apartment nearby. A couple of years later, he’s in the store buying paint and fixtures for his starter home. Down the road, …