Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Retailers, distributors and manufacturers who attended the North American Retail Hardware Association’s (NRHA) second annual State of Independents Conference now have a detailed understanding of the performance and direction of the independent home improvement industry.
The one-day conference, sponsored by the National Hardware Show®, took place in Chicago on December 8.
Part of NRHA’s mission is to advocate for independent retailers, so along with providing an industry overview, NRHA shared information gathered from retailers about their relationships with distributors and manufacturers. These findings and other industry-specific presentations and discussions helped attending channel partners expand their understanding of independent retailers. Additionally, it allowed attendees to understand how manufacturers and distributors can contribute to independent industry growth.
Retailer panelists talked with manufacturers and distributors about their business growth opportunities and obstacles and the NRHA research presented.
“In order for the independent channel to continue growing and thriving, it’s crucial that retailers, manufacturers and distributors come together,” says Dan Tratensek, vice president of NRHA. “NRHA was thrilled to facilitate these conversations for the second year in a row and looks forward to doing so in coming years.”
Thoughts from Attendees
What did you learn from talking with retailers at the event?
“Retailers shared great insights on what manufacturers can do better. We learned how retailers deal with product knowledge and what we can do to help them educate their staff on our products. We learned how we can stand out from our competitors in the eyes of retailers.”
—Scott Sarver, Franmar, Blue Bear Product Line
What’s your biggest takeaway from the conference?
“The research and information shared at the conference was very useful. It was also good to be in a room with retailers who are in the same boat as I am. It’s reassuring to see that channel partners are interested in joining the conversation.”
—Jake Smith, Jared’s Ace Hardware
Why is it important for retailers, manufacturers and distributors to be in the same room at this event?
“We’re all there to support America’s small business owners. And when we’re better able to understand their needs and where their pain points are, we’re better able to develop the products and services necessary to help them grow.”
—Randy Rusk, Do it Best Corp.
