Garded Hard\rvare

By' James S. Amtmann Marketing Manager Consumer Hardware Stanley Hardware Div. The Stanley Works

HE merchandising of carded

I hardware has progressed with the passing of each decade. Carded hardware was introduced in the 40s, merchandised on floor stands in the 50s, and on pegboard walls in the 60s.

The first attacks that perennial dealer problem of how to sell "long" products. Their Home Storage Center uses modular merchandisers that can be arranged in any combination for an organized presentation of sliding door hardware, panel tracks, folding door hardware and adjustable metal shelves.

A header illustrates product use and a permanently attached "How to Install" binder shows how to use items in the merchandisers. Giveaway booklets describe simple-to-install products; shrink pack contains hardware and simple instructions.

Storage bins hold product packs organized according to size, secure and erect. Extra compartment spaces allow for parts kits and accessories.

The second of the three merchandising systems is their Uni-Rack II "Plus 2", which they claim is the first complete hardware merchandising system in the industry, the ultimate in carded hardware merchandising. It is described in detail in the accompanying article by James S. Amtmann.

The final member of the trio is a new modular shelving merchandising system designed to be a breakthrough in shelving merchandising. Stanley claims the system is uniquely different

The 70s reflect the most significant positive developments to assist the consumer in product selection and in a self-service environment through the illustrated header method of identifying product and location in a mass display.

This decade also provided the first customized product selection program that enabled dealers to select a range of products and merchandisers in accordance with their market needs.

The mid 70s still found a need unaccommodated: the color attractiveness and effectiveness of the illustrated header concept was evident, but no matter what type of store we from any other on the market.

Heart of the unit is the "ldea Center" with a permanent idea book full of shelving ideas for kitchens, dens, children's rooms, most any room in the house. It contains 33 different room scenes in full color with complete how-to-installation instructions including materials, tools and how to lay out a wall.

Below the book in the center, in neat numbered compartments to match the room scenes, are 33 free take-home plans duplicating all the information, photos and sketches shown in the book.

From the "Idea Center" it's only a step to the brand new merchandising (Please turn to page es ) were in. we discovered an area of product display that was so poor that it was detrimental to the sale of all hardware.

It's ironical that in a market that rates packaging and merchandising as more important than the product, most hardware departments display and sell strap hinges and similar products in a cardboard box. You couldn't do less to sell this product if you tried. Bulk or non-carded hardware is what I'm talking about. Carded is the way to sell hardware. Yet, nearly every store has the bottom shelf of a gon-

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You dont get to be Nolthern Galilomiab laryest hardwood uuholesaler without mouing your boad feet.

Tiees grow standing still, but wholesaler distribution yards don't! Management decisions, economic hends, construction cycles and supply shortages all affect their operation.

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Over the vears weve dev'elooed reliable sources of supply for the worlds best hardwobds-lumber and plywood. Our staff of experienced lumber men combine speed and accuracy in handling every orden

Hiqqins Lumber has its own drv kiln and custom mill. We stotk several million board feet"of hardwoods, the Wests largest inventory. And because we have it, we can deliver-and do-with our own fleet of trucks and hailers.