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The Independent Garden Center Show (IGC Show) and the National Hardware Show announced they have entered into an agreement that introduces the “Taste of National Hardware Show” at IGC East this summer.
“Taste of National Hardware Show” is a dedicated exhibit area showcasing a selection of the broad range of categories represented at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, strategically co-located alongside IGC East, August 4-6, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
“We are pleased to bring this representation of the buying opportunities at the National Hardware Show to IGC East,” Jeff Morey, IGC show founder and CEO says. “This unique collaboration will allow our audience of independent garden center retailers to explore some of the latest product introductions in hardware and home improvement that could boost their store sales and open new categories for growth.”
“We have long recognized the IGC Show for its leadership in advancing the independent garden center channel it serves,” Ed Several, National Hardware Show senior vice president says. “So when IGC East launched last summer, we saw the opportunity to bring the diversity of products the National Hardware Show is known for to this great independent garden center event. Lawn and garden is highly relevant to our audience – many operate garden centers alongside their hardware retail businesses so it is a perfect fit.”
Exhibiting vendor booths at the “Taste of National Hardware Show” will occupy a dedicated space located adjacent to the IGC East show floor to facilitate attendee traffic across both product showcases. Independent hardware retailers will have full access to all IGC East offers – free admission to IGC East; free admission to three keynotes, including lifestyle icon Martha Stewart; and Tuesday’s free networking party and concert with the Gin Blossoms, performing their hits “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Follow You Down” and more live on stage.
Independent hardware retailers will also have the opportunity to register for the IGC Retail Conference, featuring 30-plus hours of education focused on customer service, merchandising, advertising, marketing, signage, social media, branding, store design, landscape, inventory, sales in-store and online, POS, family business plans, buying, ROI and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their toughest questions for real-world solutions that will make their retail businesses stronger now and in the years to come.
Morey calls IGC East’s alliance with the National Hardware Show this year a win-win for all involved. “Independent hardware stores are so closely aligned to independent garden centers – they are cousins of sorts. Each is positioned to benefit from the other’s unique experiences and perspectives as independent retailers,” he says. “This key alliance further expands the networking opportunities at IGC East, so that garden centers and hardware stores can together celebrate the successes of independent retailing and share strategies to surmount some of its toughest challenges. ‘Taste of National Hardware Show’ at IGC East opens the door to new opportunities for both independent retail sectors.”
For more about the IGC Shows, visit www.IGCshow.com.
