Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
For the past 60 years, the Retailers’ Choice Awards, presented by the North American Hardware and Paint Association, have highlighted the best products on display at the National Hardware Show. New for 2026, the Retailers’ Choice Awards expanded to include all of the spring wholesaler and distributor markets. Also new this year were two special awards given at NHS Concept to Commerce: the Retailers’ Choice Inventors for Independents Award and the Retailers’ Choice Sourcing for Independents Award.
The Retailers’ Choice Awards differ from most award programs as the judges’ panel is exclusively independent home improvement retailers who know best what sells in the channel. The judges walk the show floor looking for those products they feel would be bestselling options in any independent operation.
This year’s judges panel at NHS Concept to Commerce included:
- Katie DeMaris, DeMaris Hardware
- Brookelyn McClellan, Hardware Sales
- Joe Franquinah, Crest Hardware
- Tony Corsberg, Merchant5
- Adam Gunnett, Busy Beaver Building Centers
Retailers’ Choice Sourcing for Independents Award
This award represents the top importer exhibiting at NHS Concept to Commerce, who were judged based on whether they offer the top categories that independent retailers are looking for, if they offer quantities and pricing that are conducive to independents and the overall ease of doing business with the company.
K-Steel Shelving Solutions
HOMEDANT products have been made in Korea since 1979 and include a line of customizable shelves that are convenient to assemble because of its bolt-free design. You can assemble it by pressing it lightly with your hands. The shelves can move up and down depending on the size of the storage. The laminated board is protects against humidity and is more resistant to friction than steel shelves.
HOMEDANT | homedant.com
Retailers’ Choice Inventors for Independents Award
Magnetic Pencil Holders
The Quick Draw Magnetic Pencil holder features a spring clip for unlimited placement and flexible silicone that holds No. 2 and carpenter pencils, pens, markers, crayons and more. The magnetic connection allows for fast easy access and no-look operation. The holder is reusable to easily swap tools at any time and includes the holder and a carpenter pencil with HB lead.
Quick Draw | quickerdraw.com
FunL
For decades, funnel applications have been relatively unchanged. There are numerous types and sizes, yet spilling and a lack of universal fitment for nearly any bottle cap size remain real problem. FunL’s design revolutionized fluid pouring and solved this very problem, providing versatility and seamless use for auto, household or most commercial applications. FunL remains attached and can be conveniently stored for immediate access in the future. Dispensing fluids safely and spill-free has never been easier. Simply apply the FunL to most any fluid bottle, tilt, pour and go with the flow.
CKD Solutions | newfunl.com
Magnetic Hooks
Gator Hooks have nearly 100 patents, which is why they outperform traditional magnetic hooks, including the patented “Maxels” technology that programs tiny magnetic points into precise patterns, creating focused magnetic fields that deliver unmatched strength. To remove, simply lift the lever to disengage the magnet. The patented lever system makes relocation easy. Gator tests on steel that is 0.06 inch thick—the thickness you actually have around your garage or shop.
Gator Magnetics | gatormagnetics.com
Keychain Flashlight
The 180-degree TripleLite Keychain is an ultra-bright light that spreads visibility in all directions, not just straight ahead. The patented curved design and the three ultra-bright LED bulbs create a 180-degree arc of brilliant white light to illuminate your entire field of vision. It is perfect for your key chain, carrying on your backpack, hiking, power outages or any emergency.
TripleLite | triplelite.com
Adhesive Remover
TakeOFF Adhesive Remover is nontoxic, eco-friendly and 100% organic compound. The unique formulation removes sticker adhesive, tar, grease, tree sap, oil, grime, chewing gum, wax and other trouble spot cleaning issues. TakeOFF is 10 times more powerful adhesive remover that is Made in the USA.
TakeOFF | takeoffwipe.com
Garbage Disposal
Survival Garden Seed Vaults
JD Hardware LLC | survivalgardenseeds.com
Smart Eyewear
Lucyd eyewear features ANSI Z87.1-certified lenses to ensure high impact resistance and crystal-clear optics, making Armor the perfect companion for construction sites, workshops and outdoor activities. The glasses come with enhanced audio, noise-canceling mics and allow for hands-free calls, text and voice messaging, navigation and real-time translation. The glasses can also be fitted with prescription lenses.
Lucyd | lucyd.co
Bags n’ Seals Waste Baskets
The Bags n’ Seals™ system has a simple and functional design with a continuous liner supply that separates the baggage refill space from the area of the bag in use and seals the bags, preventing cross-contamination and the spread of infections and diseases. The size of bags in the package specifically fits in the basket, preventing sagging and spread of garbage between bags and basket. Bags n’ Seals™ is currently in the process of becoming the only OSHA-compliant garbage disposal system in the market.
Hermetic LLC| bagsnseals.com
