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Research & Guides

Measuring Your Store’s Performance

Benchmarking and measuring your store’s performance against industry averages are vital to keeping your store competitive and on a continuous growth track. One of the industry’s best tools for benchmarking is the North American Retail Hardware Association’s Cost of Doing Business Study. This …

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Internet Use Is Always Growing; Capitalize on It

Consumers are connecting to the Internet in any way they can – via laptops, PCs, cellphones, tablets, televisions, sound systems and even home appliances such as refrigerators. Below is data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Computer and Internet Use in …

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Outdoor Living Trends Study

In the September issue of Hardware Retailing magazine, we analyzed a variety of data, including research from Houzz, the National Association of Homebuilders and other studies, to identify the main trends emerging in the outdoor living category. The main trends …

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Electronics Selling Guide

Since more and more home advancements are integrating technology, electronic gadgets and gizmos are becoming part of the overall home improvement process. This integration creates an opportunity for home improvement retailers to sell these items, such as USB outlets or cell phone …

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Choosing an Expansion Route

Your business should always be growing, or it will eventually die. What questions should you ask when you think you about expansion? And which route should or can you go? These topics and more were covered in Hardware Retailing‘s October issue that …

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Outdoor Living Is a Growing Category

In the September issue of Hardware Retailing magazine, we gathered data from consumers, retailers and industry organizations to provide a clear view of five trends in the outdoor living category. As mentioned in the story, more consumers are expanding their …

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Get Your 2015 Cost of Doing Business Study!

NRHA’s 2015 Cost of Doing Business Study is now available! This study has been conducted annually for the last 98 years and provides detailed financial information from hardware stores, home centers and lumber/building material outlets. This year, more than 1,000 stores …

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Prices on Home Improvement Products Trending Up

The prices on home improvement products are growing, and so are retailers’ efforts to keep those prices competitive and retain customers. Price continues to be a key factor consumers consider when choosing where to shop. Over the years, product pricing has …

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