Operations

Traditionally, if you wanted to manage your inventory effectively, you relied on efficiencies such as just-in-time delivery, minimal backstock and a reliable sales history. But in one year, everything changed. During the pandemic, consumer demand for home improvement products accelerated. …

While you may be able to provide all the products a customer needs for a project, they may still need a helping hand with actually accomplishing their DIY goals. Offering your customers a list of local service providers and professionals …

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many of your shoppers learned new skills to take care of their homes and families. Review data from the National Hardware Show on how you can use these customer behavior shifts to drive sales for your …

You can carry a huge selection of products and offer many extra services, but unless you pair those with excellent customer service, you’ll have trouble retaining customers and growing sales. Retail expert Bob Phibbs recently shared his top 10 customer …

Your company’s brand is more than your logo, website and mission statement; your brand also includes the appearance of your store inside and out. Undertaking an exterior renovation, or even just making a few small changes, can go a long …

The deadline for the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA)’s 2021 Cost of Doing Business Study has been extended to July 15. The study is the only inclusive industry benchmarking study—giving you a complete analysis of how your business …

Whether they’ve been around one year or 100, every small business faces challenges. The challenges can be especially difficult in those first few years of operations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 20 percent of small businesses …

Employee teams and companies thrive under good leadership, but what qualities make a good leader? And what are the costs when a company doesn’t have strong leaders? Good leadership can reduce employee turnover, strengthen work teams and help companies grow. …