Operations

Retailers working with family know it can be hard to be objective when employing family members. You might have more tolerance with the struggles your own family members face than you would with those of another employee. Addressing issues with …

With a whoosh, the 10 list issue of Hardware Retailing has returned. This year, we’re exploring all sides of the independent home improvement industry with a twist. You’ll be able to fly through these 10 lists, but you’ll come away …

No matter where you do business, Old Man Winter will soon be knocking on your door. Whether that means a few nights with lows in the 60s or dozens of feet of snow outside your business, learning how you can …

In a retail world dominated by big boxes and online shopping, it’s important to remind customers that local shops still exist and brick-and-mortar stores have a vital place in this world. The shop-local movement shows the positive impact that buying …

Surveys can be vital tools to get customers’ feedback, verify employee training is working and encourage positive change. Russ Haswell from Medallia, a company that helps businesses collect and use customer and employee feedback, contributes insight into how surveys can …

A business mentor can prove to be a superhero who offers wise advice, encourages you through your failures and teaches you by example. Being a sidekick to another retailer who is older, has more experience or excels in areas you …

When consumers decide where to spend their hard-earned dollars, price is a big consideration. To help retailers boost their knowledge of pricing fundamentals, the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) has developed a new online course in Basic Retail Pricing. The …

When competitors enter your territory, it’s tempting to wield price as the weapon of choice. However, an all-out price war rarely leaves a clear winner. You’re likely to sustain significant damage to your reputation if shoppers start to equate low …