The Evolution From National Hardware Show to NHS Concept to Commerce 

Undergoing its most significant transformation in its 80-plus year history, the National Hardware Show will debut NHS Concept to Commerce in 2026. 

The newly redesigned event—which includes a more purposeful layout, curated programming and measurable ROI—will take place March 31–April 2, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, preceded by an International Exhibitor Summit on March 30.

Hardware Retailing sat down with event director Hector Morfin Chong for an exclusive look at how NHS Concept to Commerce will be the only trade show uniting retailers, brands, manufacturers, distributors, inventors, private label providers and global factories under one roof with one clear goal—to accelerate product discovery, strengthen manufacturing partnerships and speed up time to shelf, all while improving margins.

Hardware Retailing (HR): What prompted the change from the National Hardware Show to NHS Concept to Commerce?
Hector Morfin Chong (HMC): We listened to our customers and are responding to their needs. Faster trend cycles, tighter margins and the need for exclusive products now require retailers and brands to move quickly and source smarter. 

They needed better access to global manufacturers, private label options and innovation that aligns with their speed and margin goals. The transformation of NHS directly responds to those needs. 

Shows need to be a reflection of the industry they serve, and now NHS Concept to Commerce reflects the way products are actually developed today—with a new layout, programming and connections built around how sourcing, product development and commercialization actually happen. 

HR: What components of the National Hardware Show will still exist? What will be different? 
HMC: The National Hardware Show remains the go-to destination for discovering new products—but what’s different is the depth and intent behind the experience. 

While co-op, distributor and home and building shows focus on in-season buys, NHS Concept to Commerce goes deeper into the strategic sourcing and product development layer that connects attendees directly with global factories, private label providers and inventors—going beyond seasonal buys to support long-term growth and differentiation. 

What’s also new is how brands are showing up. With an exclusive, retailer-only space, brands now have the opportunity to debut new products in front of key decision-makers in a more curated, high-impact setting. And many of those same brands are also using the show to explore their own sourcing and private label needs—making NHS Concept to Commerce a dual-purpose platform that supports both sides of the product equation. It’s a more intentional, solution-driven format that reflects how the industry really works today. 

This show is now about building products, not just buying them. 

HR: Who is NHS Concept to Commerce designed to serve?
HMC: This event is designed for any stakeholder responsible for getting products to market smarter, faster and more profitably—and that includes retailers of all sizes, distributors, wholesalers and brands. Each will walk away with tangible outcomes tailored to their goals.

Independent retailers will gain early access to niche innovations, inventive products and sourcing partners they wouldn’t normally reach, helping them compete on uniqueness and agility. 

Distributors will find global sourcing options and new product pipelines to serve evolving retail demands, while forging direct relationships that strengthen their vendor network. 

Wholesalers will uncover cost-effective, high-demand goods and negotiate direct supply deals—boosting efficiency and competitiveness in a consolidated market. 

This is not a one-size-fits-all experience—it’s a platform intentionally built to serve the entire product ecosystem and support the outcomes that matter most to each player. 

HR: What added value will attendees get that they didn’t before?
HMC: In one trip to Las Vegas, attendees will leave with far more than inspiration—they’ll walk away with qualified supplier relationships, early access to innovation and actionable sourcing opportunities that directly support speed, margin and differentiation. 

The redesigned event is built to give retailers, brands, distributors and wholesalers a competitive edge by connecting them with global factories, private label providers and inventors at the front end of the product cycle. That means attendees won’t just find what’s available—they’ll find what’s next, and be positioned to act on it before competitors do. 

It’s an opportunity to cut time-to-shelf, improve cost structures through direct sourcing and build assortments that can’t be easily replicated. Whether it’s exclusive product ideas or new supply chain partners that unlock new categories, the value lies in being early, informed and equipped to make smarter, faster decisions that drive real business results. 

HR: How will the NHS Concept to Commerce experience reflect where the industry is going?
HMC: The industry is moving faster, becoming more margin-conscious and demanding earlier access to innovation—NHS Concept to Commerce is built for exactly that. 

We’ve created a more purposeful and actionable experience with dedicated pavilions that mirror how products are really brought to market today. 

The Inventor Pavilion gives attendees first access to emerging ideas before they hit the mainstream. The Global Manufacturing and Private Label Pavilions connect buyers directly with factories and ready-to-brand solutions—especially in key regions like Mexico, Vietnam and India. The Brand Pavilion keeps retailers connected to trusted leaders and rising talent. 

With AI-powered recommendations matching suppliers to buyers needs, Innovation Zones focused on sustainable manufacturing and enhanced education tracks, attendees can discover, evaluate and act—all in one place. 

HR: What’s your vision for NHS Concept to Commerce future?
HMC: Our vision is to evolve the show into a cross-category sourcing platform that serves the full spectrum of retail—not just home improvement. While that’s our foundation, we’re expanding into adjacent categories like sporting goods, toys, gifts and general merchandise. 

The same buyer needs—speed, control, margin and differentiation—exist across these channels. Whether a retailer is building a private label program or looking for exclusive, trend-forward products, we want this event to be the go-to destination for finding what’s next, no matter what aisle it lives in. 

HR: How are you measuring success for this new format?
HMC: We’re measuring success based on real, business-driving outcomes—not just foot traffic. That means tracking the number and quality of connections made, private label or sourcing deals initiated, new products discovered and partnerships formed during and after the show. We’re also looking at how efficiently buyers are able to move from discovery to decision-making—because speed is a competitive advantage. 

We’re also tracking attendee satisfaction—not just in terms of experience, but in terms of value: Did they meet the right people? Did they leave with something actionable? That’s what NHS Concept to Commerce is designed to deliver, and that’s how we’ll hold ourselves accountable. 

HR: What has the response been so far—from attendees, exhibitors or partners?
HMC: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. They’re telling us it’s what they’ve been waiting for. 

Buyers are excited that the show now reflects how they actually operate—bringing sourcing, product development and merchandising together in one place. 

Manufacturers see value in getting earlier access to decision-makers and established brands are surprisingly enthusiastic about having a dedicated, retailer-exclusive space on the floor—a major shift that gives them the opportunity to showcase new products in a focused, high-value environment. At the same time, many of those brands are also leveraging the show to explore their own sourcing needs, from packaging to private label components. 

It’s a smarter, more efficient way for everyone involved to find what they need and move their business forward. 

HR: What challenges do you anticipate in making this change, and how will you address them?
HMC: This wasn’t a quick pivot—it’s the result of years of conversations and collaboration with our customers. We’ve worked closely with steering committees, major retailers, brands, distributors and sourcing leaders to understand what they truly need in today’s environment. 

One of the biggest shifts we’re all navigating is retail consolidation. Fewer, larger buyers means more pressure across the board—not just for retailers, but for brands, distributors and wholesalers, who now face tougher competition for shelf space, stricter margin demands and shorter timelines to deliver. 

Despite the shrinking retail universe, the pressure to innovate, move fast and differentiate has only grown. We designed NHS Concept to Commerce to reflect those realities—giving every stakeholder a more focused, efficient and outcome-driven experience. And because our partners have been part of shaping this change from the start, it’s not just an event evolution—it’s a shared strategy for staying competitive in a changing market.