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INDEPENDENT THINKING: The Big Event Is Even Bigger

We call the May issue of Hardware Retailing the National Hardware Show® Issue. As I’m sure you can tell, it’s our largest issue of the year and is full of editorial content designed to help you become more profitable and advertisements from manufacturers who want you to see exciting products. The issue is our biggest because the industry’s attention is focused on the National Hardware Show, which is like no other event during the year. If you didn’t get a chance to come out to the show, I’d encourage you to give it a try next year. If you’re here in Las Vegas this year, stop by your NRHA Village located in the main concourse of the Las Vegas Convention Center and say hello.

The Biggest Independent Retailer Event

Since moving the NRHA All-Industry Conference to the show about five years ago, the National Hardware Show has grown to be the largest gathering of independent home improvement retailers in North America. Last year, more than 4,500 independents attended the show. They are drawn to the show by the promise of products and innovation they can’t find anywhere else. They are also attracted to the world-class seminars and speakers they find on the NRHA Village Stage and the opportunities to join other retailers, big and small, network at a number of social events, such as the Young Retailer of the Year Awards, the NRHA Independent Retailer Reception and the Retailers’ Choice Awards. Nowhere else will independents find a broader range of access to new products and learn how to grow their businesses.

More Opportunities to Come Together

As your association’s relationship with the National Hardware Show has grown, more ways to add value for independents have grown as well. Working with the National Hardware Show, we are exploring new ways to extend the value of the show throughout the year.

In 2015, begin looking for announcements regarding new regional independent hardware conferences to be held in a number of locations in the U.S. These conferences will be small, intimate and family-centered events. They will create opportunities to have fun and learn from experts and each other. They will create opportunities for a select number of manufacturers who want more personal connections with retailers to find out how they can serve the retail segment better. The National Hardware Show will collaborate with NRHA on these events, demonstrating its intention to give back to the industry throughout the year and demonstrating its interest in making the show a place for independents.

You Are Important to The Industry

The success of independent, family business is critically important to everyone in our industry. Everyone has a stake in retailers’ success. Take advantage of everything the association and industry offers.

About Bill Lee

Bill Lee has been President and CEO of NRHA since 2008. Bill has held various positions during his 18 years with the organization, including Director of Marketing, Vice President of Creative Services and Publisher of Hardware Retailing magazine. As president, Bill helps guide NRHA in its mission to help hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards become better, more profitable retailers. NRHA fulfills this mission by providing retail training, communications, market research and networking opportunities for the independent home improvement market.

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