New western hardware/home center show

The opening run of the Winter National Hardware & Home Center Show and Hardlines Conference far exceeded initial American Hardware Manufacturers Association guidelines and expectations and established the new show as an important contribution to the hardlines marketing year.

"The January 3l-February 2 Las Vegas show attracted a total registration of 21,185 persons" reported AHMA executive director William P. Farrell. "This is a more than encouraging turnout for a first-time show, far exceeding registration figures that many older shows have yet to achieve."

The AHMA sponsors and conducts the Winter National Hardware & Home Center Show and Hardlines Conference.

"The show went far beyond our goals: exhibitor space was approximately 212,ffi net square feet, while there were more than 900 exhibitors showing in-depth lines of products drawn from across the hardlines industry spectrum."

Buyers from the East and South who regularly attend Hardware Industry Week/National Hardware Show in Chicago each August were exposed to a whole new universe of manufacturers. Fully one-third of the exhibitors, many of them from the West Coast or from western states, had not previously exhibited in the Chicago show. Prior to this show, many of them were an untapped and virtually unknown source of products for the eastern market.

Exhibitors commented that this direct access enabled them to gain a better first-hand understanding of both the western market and of the approach their western sales forces take in selling to it. They were also in a position to give buyers a more complete understanding of their programs and product lines than many had had previously.

AHMA industry programs, particularly the "What's New?" New Products Exposition enj oyed success the first time out. The new products display was strategically located at the very center of the exhibit hall, and featured 373 new products. Both its high visibility and broad selection contributed to its draw and a steady stream of visitors passed through the exposition during the run of the show.

The seminar and speaker program also had strong support. Major speakers William G. Mashaw, Managing Director, National Retail Hardware Associationand Jack Anderson, syndicated columnist and investigative reporter, together drew some 1,5(X) Hardlines Conference attendees.

Mashaw developed the theme: "DlY-Marketing Bonanza of the Next Decade;" while Anderson's speech focused on the distance between the official stance taken by the federal government and the information his staff develops in its investigative reporting work.

The seminar portion of the conference was oriented towards retailers who responded in force. A standingroom-only crowd was in attendance for the presentation on "Modern Store Design Techniques," and both "Ten Steps to Better Retailing" and "How to Use Co-op Advertising" drew over 100 interested retailers.

The final day of the show, retailers heard a detailed presentation on participation in programs offered by Pro Hardware, Inc., Liberty Distributors, Inc. and Sentry Hardware Corp.

Export Assistance Program

In keeping with the international profile being developed for the Winter National Hardware & Home Center Show and Hardlines Conference, a full range of programs was offered through the AHMA to bring together international buyers and exporting exhibitors.

"We are confident that this show was a strong first-time success," said Farrell. "It exceeded our expectations in every respect. Next year we will set our expectations even higher, and,with this kind of base to build from, we will exceed them again."

The 1984 Show will be held February ll-13, in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nv.

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(Continued from page 8) their homes longer, but they are improving them to fit their families and suit new lifestyles. Redwood is often used for room additions both on the inside and outside. Jordan said there has been an increase in the use of redwood for accent walls and ceilings. Deck additions are seen as a way to increase living space without the cost of a complete room addition. The popularity of spas and hot tubs has created another strong market for redwood in providing decking and amenities. The majority of the remodeling that is going on is being done in affluent neighborhoods which make up redwood's strongest base of customers.

Lee Roy Jordan Redwood estab. lishes contact with customers by attending homebuilder and building supply shows. Company representatives attend meetings of the builder associations.

"It's surprising how many people here think of redwood as just decking material. We always display redwood siding in our booth to give them an idea of some of the other uses. " Jordan is an advocate of showcasing his merchandise. Both the offices in Dallas and Austin display redwood paneling and Jordan's new home on a 560 acre working cattle ranch is clad in redwood knotty rustic siding.

Jordan says he's excited about his new home and its location near Wills Point-about an hours drive from Dallas. He spends weekends and holidays there with his family and is looking forward to making it a permanent residence.

Rustic redwood siding was a natural choice for the ranchhouse. "We wanted it to look like it belonged on the ranch. What we didn't want was something that looked like it was brought in from town. " Working with architect Larry Lacy, Jordan helped design a luxurious 3600 sq. ft. home with a typically-Texas profile.

Jordan chose redwood rustic sidings for the ranchhouse because the knotty texture which characterizes this new redwood product worked well with the rural design. The sturdy, thick-butt, rabbeted bevel pattern used is air-dried for stability and creates a strong shadow line and is one ofthe easiest to apply. Jordan ex-

Lee Roy Jordan

plained that redwood rustic sidings are gaining in popularity because they offer many of the traditional redwood values at an economical price.

Some of the other features built into the ranchhouse include inviting porches and decks that run along three sides of the house. Inside, a soaring l0 x 28 natural stone fireplace sets the tone for entertainment and living areas. Wood paneling and wainscotting combine with the use of textured plaster to create a feeling of country living at its best. The first floor has three bedrooms, two-anda-half baths and second floor combines a bunk room and game room complete with pool table.