Story at a Glance

Manufactu reni and distributors disagree...retailers prefer domestic tools in most cases... pros and cons for both sides of the question.

Import tools have traditionally competed at the low end of the market. however the lower quality tools are norv losing their appeal. he explains. "As recently as a year ago. we were hearing comments such as "your product is too upcale arrd tm high priced ficrthe import market," he says. "Nov the marketplace has done a complete turn around."

"Quality imports are finding their way into the domestic market in greater quantities as retailers look for ways to satisry consumers." says Cohen. "lt is anticipated that the low end market will be a diminishing business for home centers in coming years."

-MAYBE-

Dealers, on the whole. perceive domestic tools to be more reliable than imported tools. Some have found that there is no support arailable from importers when the quality is poor. Others simply prefer to stick with domestic brands which have been arourd for pan.

Ken Willson, advertising and promo' tions manager, Pixleys Building Materi-

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