The 2017 Do it Best Fall Market kicked off Friday, Oct. 13 in Indianapolis with a refreshed focus on lumber and building materials and a program to help retailers be successful in the expanding smart home market. The Fort Wayne, Indiana-based co-op …
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Cottin’s Hardware Uses Scarecrows for Community Fundraiser
Cottin’s Hardware & Rental in Lawrence, Kansas, starts the fall season off each year with a scarecrow building contest to raise money for local schools. Several years ago, a customer approached store owner Linda Cottin with the idea. “Our customer …
Read More »Generation Z: Reaching the Next-Gen Consumer
Generation Z, the generation after millennials (born between 1995 and 2012, according to Forbes) makes purchasing decisions differently from every previous generation, mostly because of how they engage with digital and social media, according to influencer marketing agency Mediakix. These consumers …
Read More »After 10 Years, 10th Street Hardware Looks to New Beginnings
Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. By Melanie Moul mmoul@nrha.org 10th Street and Beyond As someone who only recently became a part of the independent home improvement industry, Steve DeShong had heard a lot of stories …
Read More »10 Tips for Completing an Honest Store Critique
Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. Store owners throughout the industry have discovered that business critiques from other independent home improvement retailers help them become better operators. Ask a fellow retailer or two to walk through your store, …
Read More »10 Lessons From Dogs About Customer Service
Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. Want to kick your customer service up a notch? Gather some inspiration from your canine companion. 1. Gain their loyalty. Dogs are the gold standard of loyalty. Build some of that same character …
Read More »Kohl’s to Sell Amazon Smart Home Devices, Accept Retailer’s Returns
At a time when all eyes are on Amazon, it appears that Kohl’s is eyeing the online retailer as well. This month, the department store chain has announced two ways it is teaming up with Amazon, and some wonder if there …
Read More »Opportunities Abound With Consumers on the Go
Click the picture to download a PDF of this story. Want a breakdown of the “must haves” in the auto, RV and marine category? Check out our checklist for essential items for each department by clicking here. Keep it Moving …
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