Farm, Pet & Ranch

As cities and states across the U.S. issued shelter-in-place orders for residents, one retail bright spot is the uptick in purchases made for pets, according to new data from the National Retail Federation (NRF). As consumers stocked up on essentials …

Are backyard chickens still on trend? The short answer is, yes. According to a 2013 U.S. Department of Agriculture survey, over 13 million U.S. households (spread evenly in urban, suburban and rural locations) planned to have backyard chickens by 2018. …

With a whoosh, the 10 list issue of Hardware Retailing has returned. This year, we’re exploring all sides of the independent home improvement industry with a twist. You’ll be able to fly through these 10 lists, but you’ll come away …

There are often multiple factors that drive consumers to make a purchase. Sometimes price points, durability and convenience are the main motivation. Then again, sometimes pure brand recognition can secure a sale and let them show off to their friends. …

Turning a hobby into a job often means you are passionate about going to work every day. For Johnsons Home & Garden nursery associate Joan Easton, her hobby led her to find a part-time job opportunity. “I’m an avid gardener …

Youth farming organizations, like Future Farmers of America and 4-H, are vital for the agriculture industry and for the hardware retail businesses that supply local communities. The latest crop of kids raising hogs, sheep and cattle are the next generation of customers …

To view a PDF of this story, click here. By Chad Husted, chusted@nrha.org Food for Thought Farm, Pet and Ranch Customers Speak Up You know your customers. You know the necessities for your farmers, your ranchers and your pet owners. …

Americans are forking out more and more cash to care for and entertain their dogs, cats and other pets. In 2015, 65 percent of U.S. households—or 79.7 million homes—owned a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. These households …