Operations

Retailers have seen the lightning-fast rise of social media over the past decade. What was once an online diversion has become a key element of marketing strategies and community involvement. Within seconds, anyone with a social media account can broadcast …

Local business owners in small communities often need to go out of their way to stock up on items like toilet paper, cleaning supplies and other business necessities. These types of items are generally in stock at independent home improvement …

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. …

Lynn Switanowski, founder and president of Creative Business Consulting Group, has spent her career helping independent businesses in many industries grow sales and increase profits while appealing to a changing consumer market. Hardware Retailing talked to Switanowski about why retailers …

Hardware Retailing recently talked to Daniel Eliot, director of education and strategic initiatives for the National Cyber Security Alliance to learn the truth about how cybersecurity impacts small business. Eliot also gave advice on how independent home improvement operators can …

Offering competitive health insurance benefits can help a small business stand out in a field of employers. While there is plenty of time before renewal season in January, use the next few months to look at your current insurance offerings …

To learn more about how cybersecurity impacts small businesses, Hardware Retailing talked to Daniel Eliot, director of education and strategic initiatives for the National Cyber Security Alliance. For insights into three actions you can take today to protect your business …

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? …