Editor/Founder/Principal: Chris Jensen chris@thehardwareconnection.com 317-514-8864
Marketing & Creative Director/Principal: Dan Akers dan@thehardwareconnection.com 317-797-6609
Founder/Principal: Tom Chasteen tom@thehardwareconnection.com 305-852-6126
Business Advisor: John Hammond jhammond@thehardwareconnection.com National Account Manager: Dan Beck dbeck@thehardwareconnection.com 518-852-9624
HBy Chris Jensen
EDITOR’S NOTE
New Products Drive Sales Growth at Retail
ardware and home improvement retailers know they have to keep bringing in innovative new products if they want to maintain their customer base and attract new customers. When you stock products that cannot be found at the big boxes, it demonstrates to your customers that you are making the extra effort to meet their needs. In many cases, you are informing them about products they don’t even know they need yet. Display these hot products on end caps, in the main power aisle and near the checkout. Promote them on social media and feature them prominently in your print and digital advertising. Most importantly, be sure to train your employees on the features and benefits of these new items so they can share their knowledge with customers.
Check out the pictorial spread on pages 10 and 11 that spotlights successful niche categories of independent hardware retailers. Niches are a great way to differentiate your store from big-box competitors and Amazon. See if there is a niche category that makes sense to build traffic for your store, perhaps from one of the vendors featured in this Product Guide.
The Hardware Connection is publishing this Fall 2023 Product Guide as a
DISPLAY THESE HOT PRODUCTS ON END CAPS, IN THE MAIN POWER AISLE AND NEAR THE CHECKOUT. PROMOTE THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND FEATURE THEM PROMINENTLY IN YOUR PRINT AND DIGITAL ADVERTISING.
helpful resource for retailers who want to stay one step ahead of the competition. Fine-tune your assortments or discover new niche opportunities to take store sales to another level.
The products featured on the following pages can be found at upcoming fall wholesaler shows, both virtual and inperson buying events. To view a calendar of upcoming shows and events, turn to the industry’s most comprehensive listing by clicking here.
Happy selling! n
CHRIS JENSEN EDITOR/FOUNDER/PRINCIPAL
STAND OUT TO CUSTOMERS. STAND UP TO PESTS.
USA-made baits and traps that are safe for children and pets—but e ective on insects. Avoid foreign sourcing and be confi dent knowing RESCUE!® pest control comes from a trusted source.
Stop by our booth to preview the and Smart Hybrid Electric Heat and for a giveaway entry.
GAS TANKLESS WATER HEATERS with X3® SCALE PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY feature cutting edge technology which provides up to 3x longer life* and virtually zero lifetime descaling maintenance.
*Compared
to other gas tankless models without X3 Technology.
new X3 ® Gas Tankless Pump Water Heaters
SMART HYBRID ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATERS feature leak detection, optional water shut-off, easy-to-use electronic display and can save your customers money on their energy bills.**
**Comparing 66-gallon heat pump against pre-2015 similarly-sized standard electric using DOE EF to UEF conversion rates. Savings may vary.
The Hardware Connection provides a pictorial look at niche categories. Send store pictures to chris@thehardwareconnection.com.
Peanuts at Fort Dobbs Hardware, Statesville, N.C.
Greeting cards
Counted cross-stitch at H.R. Wolf Hardware, Galion, Ohio
Beekeeping at Country Farm & Home, Byrdstown, Tenn.
Canning supplies at Pro X Home Center, Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Dog houses at Augusta Ace Hardware, Augusta, Ga.
at Rainbow Ace Hardware, Suffern, N.Y.
Hockey skates at Fergus Home & Hardware, Fergus Falls, Minn.
Crawfish boil at Bassil’s Ace Hardware, Metairie, La.
UTVs at Paulding Ace Hardware, Paulding, Ohio
Pool chemicals at Reed’s Do it Best Hardware, Bluffton, Ind.
Frisbee golf at Zeigler’s Ace Hardware, Lake in the Hills, Ill.
Trailer and transport supplies, Martin’s Ace Hardware, Middlebury, Ind.
Brought to you by Midwest Fastener. Our new BuildRight deck screw is a quality yet affordable fastener. Engineered to be the most cost-effective deck screw on the market, it has only the most important features. With its exterior coating, type-17 cutting tip, and star drive, it has everything a deck builder needs and nothing they don’t. The exterior coating is recommended for treated lumber and outperforms HDG. It’s the perfect screw for those wanting a quality fastener without spending a day’s paycheck.
Type-17 Tip
Exterior Coating
Star Drive
With over a decade of experience on the job-site, our flagship deck screw by SaberDrive combines longevity and performance. Matching the most popular deck colors, SaberDrive is available in red, green, tan and our newest color- gray.
AtECI Software Solutions
ECI, we know you want your business to succeed. To do that, you need to stay connected with your data to run day-to-day operations more efficiently. Disconnected
RockSolid MAX Software
RockSolid MAX® software includes the features you need to run your business at one affordable monthly price. With integrated point of sale, purchasing, inventory management, and accounts receivable—you will operate efficiently and grow. It’s cloud-based, so you can access the system from anywhere, and your data is always protected.
systems that do not talk to each other can make you feel unproductive. We understand your industry which is why our business management solutions have been the leaders in their markets for many years.
Spruce
Spruce® business management software is an easy-to-use ERP that transforms operations so you can grow. The software is cloud-based and completely integrated, from purchasing through delivery, to help streamline processes and reduce costly errors. Access your data from anywhere to make decisions based on facts that improve your bottom line.
Spruce eCommerce
Spruce eCommerce allows lumber and building material dealers to build a sleek, professional storefront website and customer portal combined into one online destination. Spruce eCommerce is directly connected to Spruce or RockSolid MAX business management software, so you inventory counts, transactions, invoices, and more won’t need to be synced or rekeyed between systems. Even better, you can go live in weeks with no coding experience.
CTA and Contact Info
Scan the QR code with your phone for more info!
VanStarr Enterprises is the original developer of Arm Chaps®. We perfected this product to a point that it now exceeds anything on the market for Effective Protection, Personal Comfort, Versatility, Durability, and Adjustability. Nothing else even comes close! The Benefits and Uses of this product go far beyond anything that you currently offer for protecting a person’s arms. We’re also here to educate Dealers on the value of this product and reduce their risks of carrying a new product. For instance, if sales do not meet your expectations, we will buy back any unsold product from your initial Purchase Order at Full Cost!
For more information, call 651-492-4830 or email info@armchaps.com Read testimonials and see videos at armchaps.com.
“Arm Chaps are a Life Saver for me!”
“I wish I had them years ago!”
“Just the thing I’ve been looking for!”
“Best product I’ve ever tried and used on my ranch!”
“You need to get these on Shark Tank!”
1. Prevents nearly any cut, scratch, puncture wound, bruise, or burn to the wrists & forearms.
2. Allows total finger dexterity and full-use of the fingers. Now, if finger protection is needed, then gloves easily fit over the Arm Chaps providing a great extension of protection.
3. When gloves can’t be worn (due to needing the touch/feel of the fingers) Arm Chaps can still be worn for hand/wrist/forearm protection.
4. Provides “adjustable” air-flow to stay comfortable.
5. Provides wrist support during strenuous activities.
6. Stays in place & won’t slide down or rotate on your arm…EVER!!!
7. Ideal for people needing to protect “thin skin” or prevent “arm bruising.”
8. Greatly improves safety without hampering movement or getting in the way.
9. Very quick & easy to “put-on” or “take-off.”
10. Can easily save customers $100’s to $1000’s in medical expenses.
• No other protective sleeve provides all these benefits!
• 6 sizes provide ideal fit and comfort for anyone.
• Available in 4 colors (tan, brown, black, and safety orange).
Top 10 Uses (out of 100’s of Uses):
1. Cutting wood and clearing brush
2. Gardening and landscaping with thorny plants
3. Mechanic work on any vehicle or equipment
4. Wood or metal fabrication projects
5. Building and demolition projects
6. Farm and ranch activities (barb wire fencing)
7. Protection from animal bites & claws
8. Hunting activities needing arm protection
9. Fruit pickers working with very thorny bushes & trees
10. Absolutely any situation where wrists, forearms and even elbows need to be protected
Other Versions Also Available
• Extended elbow protection
• A5 high-cut level
• Welding
The GOJO® and PURELL® Brands. Trusted Products That Show You Care
The GOJO and PURELL brands provide peace of mind for customers and staff, while signaling your commitment to quality. GOJO heavy-duty hand cleaners tackle the toughest soils, and PURELL products help eliminate germs that may cause illness and help keep your business thriving.
GOJO ® Cherry Gel Pumice Hand Cleaner
A hardworking product for hardworking hands. Cherry Gel clings to hands to remove surface dirt, while pumice scrubbers get into cracks to remove difficult soils including grease, tar, and heavy metals.
GOJO® SUPRO MAX™ Hand Cleaner
Our fast and effective heavy-duty hand cleaner with gentle scrubbers offers a unique blend of cleaners and skin conditioners that are gentle on the skin yet highly effective on oil, grease, and paint.
To learn more about how GOJO and PURELL products can help your store provide peace of mind for customers and employees alike, visit www.GOJO.com
GOJO® Scrubbing Towels
Our extra-large, dual-textured wet towels provide quick, convenient cleaning. Effective on heavy metals, grease, paint, adhesives, tar, and asphalt with no water needed.
PURELL® Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals with Plant-Based Alcohol
PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer Naturals is a convenient way to help employees kill germs on their hands without damaging skin. It’s free of triclosan, parabens, and preservatives.
Using “Morgan’s Repellent Mice & Rat: G" resulted in 139 Mice Leaving an 1800 Square Foot Warehouse in 7-Days. Leaving No Dead Mice or Dead Mouse Smells. While People Continued To Work.
Morgan's Repellent is an infusion of pumice with 6 full-strength essential oils.
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AUGUST
Florida Hardware Fall Dealer Market
August 25-26, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, Fla.
International Istanbul Hardware Fair 2023
August 24-27, Istanbul Expo Center, Istanbul
The Hardware Conference
August 17-19, J.W. Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island, Fla.
SEPTEMBER
Ace Hardware Fall 2023 Convention
September 19-21, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.
Blish-Mize Fall Dealer Market 2023
September 14-16, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kan.
Bostwick-Braun North Fall Dealer Market 2023
September 20-22, Glass City Center, Toledo, Ohio
China International Hardware Show 2023
September 19-21, Shanghai International Expo Centre Shanghai, Pudong, China
Do it Best Fall Market
September 8-11, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
UPCOMING EVENTS
Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live
Horizon Distribution 2023 Expo Virtual Trade Show
September 6-8
Monroe Hardware Fall In Store Virtual Dealer Market
September 11-29
True Value Fall Reunion
September 14-16, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston
United Hardware Fall 2023 Buying Market
September 27-29, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, Minn.
United Hardware Fall 2023 Buying Market (Virtual)
September 26-October 6
Wallace Hardware Fall Dealer Market
September 26-28. Sevierville Events Center, Sevierville, Tenn.
OCTOBER
House-Hasson Hardware Fall Dealer Market
October 6-7, Sevierville Events Center, Sevierville, Tenn.
Orgill Online Winter Buying Event
October 30-November 12
Recent Features From TheHardwareConnection
July/August 2023: Preserving the Store’s Legacy With Employee Ownership—As third-generation owners of Clark-Devon Hardware in Chicago, Ed and Ken Walchuk found that employee ownership allowed them to retire while preserving the store’s legacy.
May/June 2023: How a Store Pet Became a Marketing Star Meet Daniel, the feline attraction at Shoppers True Value Hardware in Maine who has turned into a viral sensation with 67k followers on TikTok.
April 2023: Striving for 5-Star Experiences at Hagan Ace—As Hagan Ace Hardware opens its 11th location in north Florida, the company builds on four generations of retail hardware experience by embracing new technology and remaining true to business principles that have sustained the company for six decades.
March 2023: How to Revitalize and Reinvent Business with C/I Sales — With new, bolstered ecommerce capabilities, the current generation of Hacienda Home Center leadership saved a New Mexico family business by cultivating commercial, industrial and government customers.
Jan/Feb 2023: Solenberger’s True Value Hardware: Surviving and Adapting for 135 Years—Learn more about Solenberger’s True Value Hardware in Winchester, Va., which has been adapting and thriving for 135 years under five different generations of Solenberger family leadership.
December 2022: Has Costello’s Ace Found the Key to Long-Term Growth?—Learn more about Costello’s Ace Hardware’s ambitious goal to operate 75 stores doing $250 million in sales by 2025 and the strategies to reach that level. Click
