Research & Guides

You might already know how you want to spend your years as a retiree, but have you thought through how you’ll feel during the transition into retirement? Whether you hope to keep working part time or want to leave retailing far behind …

More homeowners and apartments dwellers are using whatever space they have, be it backyards or containers, to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs for at-home cooking. This growing interest in gardening comes from consumers’ desire to know where their food comes …

While many consumers can recognize an independent home improvement store by its small-town feel and top-notch service, many don’t know a business is locally owned and operated if it uses national branding or has multiple locations. Customers may see a …

Motivating employees to work hard is a challenge managers will always face because some associates are naturally driven to do their best every day while others lack initiative. Employee appreciation lunches, discounts on products and other recognition methods all boost …

With July Fourth approaching, Americans are flying U.S. flags, finalizing parade and other event plans, buying fireworks and reflecting on their country’s heritage. This patriotic time is ideal for reminding your community of your identity as a local, hometown operation. …

In the July issue of Hardware Retailing magazine, retailers shared which impulse products work for their store and how they merchandise these products to make them more enticing to consumers. To read the full article click here. To get a …

In the July issue of Hardware Retailing magazine, we took an in-depth look at the Home Sweet Home Study, brought to you by North American Hardware and Paint Association and Independent We Stand. The study revealed significant data that impact our industry …

To download a PDF of this story, click here. Visit hardwareretailing.com/shoplocal to download the marketing material presented in this story or download holiday-themed signage.  It’s a Fact: Shopping at Independent Home Improvement Retailers Builds Stronger Communities By Kate Klein, kklein@nrha.org and Sara Logel slogel@nrha.org Main Street used to serve as the go-to …