Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Last week, I had the opportunity to join Independent We Stand on the Great American Route 66 Road Trip to visit independents across the country.
Over the course of five days, we traveled nearly 1,400 miles, starting in Oklahoma City and stopping at the official end of Route 66–the Santa Monica Pier in California.
Along the way, I met independent retailers and business owners from all backgrounds and perspectives. However, after each city and conversation, I came away with the same impression: strength of independent businesses certainly endures.
Whether I was speaking with independent hardware and home improvement store owners or business operators from other industries, I met, without exception, people with pride in their communities who understand the impact and importance of shopping local.
Although the communities were each different, the common theme I noticed during the week was that small businesses support their communities beyond helping a customer choose a paint color or buy a new car. The businesses do provide those services, but they offer their communities so much more than that.
We saw big box stores and chains everywhere we traveled, but many of the businesses we visited were longtime family-owned shops with histories of great service and great reputations that couldn’t be ignored, no matter who the competition was.
Many customers choose those small businesses over the big boxes for the specialized services offered, according to the retailers we met. And, at the end of the day, more and more shoppers are learning how much money and other support go back to their communities when they spend money at local businesses rather than at big-box stores.
As a representative of the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) on the trip, I was proud to introduce myself to home improvement retailers and other business owners. When I talked with independent business people outside the industry, I was able to share the many wonderful things hardware and home improvement store owners are doing.
From top-notch service to giving generously to support their communities, independent home improvement retailers are a strong and long-lasting group. After this road trip, I’m more confident than ever in where the industry stands.
However, I think it’s extremely important for retailers to continue to evolve and grow and remind their communities why they should shop at independent businesses. Using the services of NRHA and Independent We Stand and promoting shop local initiatives are among the ways to stand out against the big box competition.
Consumers are looking for something they don’t get from staring at their cellphones– a human interaction. The businesses we visited on our road trip all provide that and so much more.
If you would like to read more about the retailers I met along Route 66, be sure to click the articles below:
Day 1: Local Charm in Oklahoma City
Day 2: A Warm Welcome in Amarillo
Day 3: Local Love in Albuquerque
Day 4: Independents Thrive in Flagstaff
Day 5: Entrepreneurs Last in Los Angeles
While each of these posts feature photos from the trip, I’ve also included a photo gallery below for you to browse. It starts in Oklahoma City outside our trusty van and ends at the Santa Monica Pier right by the Route 66 End of the Trail sign. Thanks for following along!
