Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Retailers from all over the world gathered Feb. 22-24 in Orlando, Florida, for Orgill’s Spring Dealer Market, where they looked for great buys, found new products and learned about Orgill’s many services and programs.
The Dealer Market was held at the Orange County Convention Center.
“This is a great show,” says Dave Balow of Industrial Hardware & Marine in Wilmington, North Carolina. “I like to take the time to check everything out—I really use the show as a learning experience. I visit with vendors and take some time to really learn about the products.”
Products, Programs and More
With more than 1 million square feet of show floor space, there was plenty of room for retailers to explore.
Along with vendor booths, there were promotional areas around the perimeter of the show floor that offered a look at new items and a chance to find special Market-only pricing. In the middle of the floor was the Retail Services area, where attendees could learn about the services Orgill offers. It also included a 5,000-square-foot Learning Center, which hosted a variety of workshops and classes.
The Outdoor Grilling Area was back by popular demand after its debut in Boston last summer. Retailers could step outside the convention center to see several grilling and tailgate vendors showing off their latest products, with many even offering food samples.
Also popular were the Product Showcases, which highlight the breadth of product Orgill offers in particular categories. At this Dealer Market, there were five Product Showcases:
- Construction Fastener Showcase
- Rental Showcase
- Seasonal Flex Showcase
- Impulse Showcase
- Worldwide Sourcing Showcase
Dealer Markets are a popular place for retailers to learn more about the newest products on the market, and the show in Orlando was no exception.
Josh Beusekom of Next Home and garden in Fort Macleod, Alberta, had a list of specific items he was looking for, including some lawn and garden products, a few items for his hardware department and some faucet planograms.
Beusekom was very complimentary of the updated show floor layout. “It really helps me as I shop,” he says. “There’s a lot to see, but the layout makes it easier for me to find everything I’m looking for.”
A Model For Success
Orgill’s popular model stores were another highlight of the show. The two stores showcased a variety of merchandising techniques and gave retailers the opportunity to see the full complement of assortments and services Orgill has to offer.
One of the model stores in Orlando was Central Tool & Building Supply, an 8,000-square-foot pro-focused store with a primary niche of hand and power tools and a deep variety of assortments in the plumbing, electrical and paint categories.
The second was Green River Hardware & Garden, a 15,000-square-foot store that highlighted a variety of space-saving techniques and showcased top niches that included outdoor power equipment, outdoor living and lawn and garden.
Learning Opportunities
Similarly to previous Dealer Markets, Orgill placed an emphasis on education, with free classes and workshops offered during all three days of the Market. Classes ranged from 20 minutes to an hour and covered a variety of topics, including pricing, financial metrics, promotional ideas and more.
“I’ve been spending lots of time in the seminars,” says JoLynn Weist of Weist Hardware in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. “I like taking advantage of these learning opportunities that are available to us.”
Orgill’s Fall Dealer Market will be Aug. 23-25 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.
