Operations

Offering a standout in-store customer experience is a rapidly evolving competition between independent retailers and national or global chains. That experience is also stacked against the convenience of online retailers. But what should differentiation, especially for small businesses, look like? …

The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) has a full range of resources to help independent home improvement retailers prosper. One of the most versatile options is the Foundations of Leadership program, an online leadership training course that aims to …

Many retailers are leaders in their businesses and in their local communities, but it’s not every day they get to show off that leadership in a parade. The management team of Pacific Ace Hardware in Vacaville, California, had that opportunity …

Dozens of firefighters at firehouses in Tucson, Arizona, are having an easier time firing up the grill, thanks to generous donations from the team at Mark’s Ace Hardware and a national grill brand. Mark Rios, company president, his general manager …

If you’re looking through the plants and yard decor display at B&B Do it Center in Carmarillo, California, you might stumble across a tiny house or a miniature garden with brightly colored stepping stones. Owner Randy Collins has intermingled fairy …

To get additional insights into the customers who are seeking low-maintenance lawn and garden options and how to serve them, Hardware Retailing spoke to three retailers who operate extensive garden centers as part of their home improvement businesses. American yards …

How does a once exemplary merchandising marvel slowly turn to cluttered chaos? It often happens gradually. You might not notice when one small piece slips out of place, but if left unchecked, more disorder will follow. That’s what has happened …

Imagine stepping down into your basement and finding an inch of water. Your new house doesn’t have grounded outlets. And that ancient tree in your backyard is one storm away from knocking out a wall. These are all issues that …