Operations

Managing returns and developing a return policy that protects your business and keeps customers coming back for future purchases can vary depending on the needs of your business and your customers. Hardware Retailing explored that concept and presented one retailer’s …

Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. Earlier this year, outdoor apparel retailer L.L. Bean converted its no-questions-asked lifetime return policy to a one-year policy, receipt required. In a letter dated Feb. 9 on the company’s Facebook …

How often are your employees selling entire projects rather than just single products? Project sales increase your overall transaction size and usually offer larger margins. They can also lead to more satisfied customers, as they will get everything they need …

Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. Employee training is essential to any business, and it doesn’t always need to be time-consuming. As a way to kick-start or supplement your employee training efforts, the North American Retail Hardware Association …

Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. By Renee Changnon, rchangnon@nrha.org A Winning Idea Matt Woods, president and CEO of his family business Woods Hardware in Cincinnati, had an exciting idea for improving his operation. However, like many retailers, money …

Grabill Hardware brings kids together to play in the dirt. In March each year, the business in Grabill, Indiana, hosts a Kids’ Seed Planting Day, and the event attracts more than 200 children from the community, which is quite a …

Finding ways to remain a competitive employer is crucial. Across industries, finding qualified employees is often listed as a top challenge for business owners. As a retailer, you may find yourself concerned with how you can keep up with your …

Mentorship can play a large role for an individual at any step of their professional journey, says Paula Coate, manager of Hagersville Home Hardware in Hagersville, Ontario. Her mentor and boss, David Dishke, who also owns Grand River Home Hardware …