Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Kelly Bundt knows that, if she were to take the perspective of a child walking through her store, there are a lot of colorful and interesting items to see and touch in Sac City Hardware. Parents have the challenge of keeping an eye on their kids while concentrating on their shopping.
To help, Bundt, who along with her husband Scott owns the store in Sac City, Iowa, has a box of free coloring books along with a bucket of candy near the store’s entrance. Both items are within easy reach of children who come in with their parents.
“My thought was that if we give them something to hold and carry around the store, it will help keep them from touching everything else. It gives them something to do and makes them feel welcome,” she says.
To give her adult customers an extra perk for shopping, too, she offers free bottled water from a cooler. The bottles have the Hardware Hank label from the store’s wholesaler, so customers have an extra reminder of the store even after they’ve finished their shopping trip.
