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Volume 231 • Issue 1 • July/August 2026 • hardwareretailing.com

Serving Hardware, Home Center & Building Material Retailers

Published by the North American Hardware and Paint Association

Taking Up the Mantle Top Guns Honoree Denise Brookhouse Leads the Family Business Page 20

LAST-MILE SUCCESS

How Delivery Sets Retailers Apart in a Tight Market Page 28

BASKET BOOSTERS

Diversifying Your Impulse Selection to Increase Sales Page 58

JULY/AUGUST ISSUE SPONSOR

2026

Volume 231 • Issue 1 • July/August 2026 • hardwareretailing.com

Serving Hardware, Home Center & Building Material Retailers

Published by the North American Hardware and Paint Association

Taking Up the Mantle Top Guns Honoree Denise Brookhouse Leads the Family Business Page 20

LAST-MILE SUCCESS

How Delivery Sets Retailers Apart in a Tight Market Page 28

BASKET BOOSTERS

Diversifying Your Impulse Selection to Increase Sales Page 58

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CONNECTIONS

COMING IN AUGUST

EXECUTIVE STAFF CEO Bob Cutter PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER Scott Wright CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Dan Tratensek

1025 East 54th St. Indianapolis, Indiana 317-275-9400 NHPA@YourNHPA.org YourNHPA.org

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS SERVICES David Gowan

CONTENT AND PRODUCTION

Fall Into Market Season In next month’s digital-only issue of Hardware Retailing, get a sneak peek of the Fall Market season with insights from our wholesaler partners on how to get the most out of each show. Plus, discover emerging selling trends and how leaning into private label can open up new doors and build margin.

OUR MISSION

The North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) helps independent home improvement, paint and decorating retailers, regardless of affiliations, become better and more profitable retailers.

EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN Ash Ebbo, Clement’s Paint, Austin, Texas IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Ned Green, Weider’s Paint & Hardware, Rochester, New York DIRECTORS Christian Herrick, Randy’s Do it Best Hardware, Jackson, Virginia Michelle Meny, Meny’s True Value, Jasper, Indiana Jeremy Peterson, Family Hardware, Florida Katie Prus, Abbotsford Paint and Decorating, British Columbia, Canada Michael Sacks, FLC Holdings, LaGrange, Texas Emily Wood, Wood’s Ace Hardware, Bolts & Brews SECRETARY-TREASURER Bob Cutter, NHPA President and CEO

Hardware Retailing (ISSN 0889_2989), Copyright© 2026 by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA), is published eight (8) times per year (January/February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September/October, November/December) by the North American Hardware and Paint Association, 1025 E 54 St, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Subscription rates: Hardware Retailing (Payable in advance): U.S. & possessions $50/year. Canada $75/year. All other countries $110/year. Single copy $7. The Annual Report issue can be purchased for $30. Business and Editorial Offices: 1025 E 54 St. Indianapolis, IN 46220 Accounting and Circulation Offices: The North American Hardware and Paint Association, 1025 E 54 St., Indianapolis, IN 46220. Call 317-275-9400 to subscribe. Periodicals postage is paid at Indianapolis, IN and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Hardware Retailing, P.O. Box 16709, St. Louis, MO 63105-1209.

STATE & REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS MIDWEST HARDWARE ASSOCIATION Jody Kohl, 201 Frontenac Ave., P.O. Box 8033 Stevens Point, WI 54481-8033 800-888-1817; Fax: 715-341-4080

NHPA CANADA SUPPLY-BUILD CANADA Rebekah Doerksen, Executive Assistant Direct: 204-953-1692 | Cell: 204-990-3536 Toll-Free: 1.800.661.0253 ext. 103 102-226 Osborne St. N. Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V4

CIRCULATION, SUBSCRIPTION & LIST RENTAL INQUIRIES CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Richard Jarrett, 314-432-7511, gcscs8@gmail.com

EDITOR AND DIRECTOR OF CONTENT DEVELOPMENT Lindsey Thompson, lthompson@YourNHPA.org DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING Austin Vance, avance@YourNHPA.org MARKETING MANAGER Olivia Shroyer NEWS & DIGITAL EDITOR Jacob Musselman, jmusselman@YourNHPA.org CONTENT DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Annie Dameworth, adameworth@YourNHPA.org SENIOR DESIGNER Autumn Ricketts PRODUCTION & DESIGN ASSISTANT Samantha Mitchell

NHPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Joanne Lawrie, Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

317-275-9400, editorial@YourNHPA.org

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

SALES & PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Freda Creech

SALES REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Jordan Rice jrice@YourNHPA.org | 217-808-1641 REGIONAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE—CENTRAL Jake Cutter jcutter@YourNHPA.org | 317-363-0776

ASSOCIATION PROGRAMS

800-772-4424, NHPA@YourNHPA.org DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION & TRAINING Cody Goeppner, cgoeppner@YourNHPA.org TRAINING MANAGER & EDITOR Jesse Carleton, jcarleton@YourNHPA.org MEMBER SERVICES & EVENT COORDINATOR Christina Kane, ckane@YourNHPA.org

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Volume 231 | Issue 1 | July/August 2026

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS Taking Care of Business ........................................................... ...........................................................06 Dan Tratensek, NHPA Chief Operating Officer

Editorially Speaking ...................................................................... ......................................................................08 Lindsey Thompson, NHPA Editor

Industry Viewpoint ......................................................................... 10 Jared Brown, Aubuchon Hardware

Trends ............................................................................................................. .............................................................................................................12 Sponsored by New Products........................................................................................ 14 ..........................................................................................66 Newsmakers .......................................................................................... .....................................................................................................68 Calendar ..................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................70 Last Word.................................................................................................. 28

OPERATIONS

Making Last Mile Seamless

Meeting customers where they are, whether that is at home, in the store or online, is vital to a retailer’s success. For independent home improvement retailers, delivery offers a chance to differentiate themselves, gain market share and provide an extra level of customer service.

COVER STORY

Grit, Grace and Leadership Meet Top Guns Awards honoree Denise Brookhouse, who is carving her own path as a third-generation family member taking the helm of the company, while guiding the next generation of family leaders.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Equipped for Growth

At the end of the month, the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference will bring the industry together for two days of applicable education, engaging keynotes and fun networking opportunities. Learn how to get the most out of your time at the IHI Conference.

INDUSTRY HONORS

Shaped by Service

Learn how Joe Swortz’s leadership and teamwork skills gained during his time serving in the U.S. Army guide him in his role today as a financial controller in the independent channel.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NHPA Expands Media Brands

NHPA is expanding its media brands and confirming its role as the independent channel authority with the acquisition of Hardware Connection, a reputable publication known for retailer-focused coverage that combines practical advice, merchandising strategies and product coverage.

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT

Acting on Impulse

From smart product placement and sourcing strategies to relying on employees to drive last-minute sales, learn how one retailer turns unique impulse buys into a thriving store category.

EYE-CATCHING. FLY-SNATCHING.

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CONNECT

dant@YourNHPA.org

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Dan Tratensek

Expanding Our Reach to Better Serve You I

“We are excited about this latest addition and firmly believe it will further NHPA’s mission to help home improvement retailers, regardless of affiliation, become better and more profitable merchants.”

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

t seems hardly a day goes by when industry headlines aren’t sharing news about some merger or acquisition taking place in the channel. And while it may seem like the home improvement industry is a hotbed for this kind of activity, the truth is that it is happening everywhere. Why? Because merging assets, working together and finding unique ways to build scale are becoming more important now than ever. As a 125-plus-year-old nonprofit trade organization, we are not immune to these realities, and we have made it a point to find ways to build partnerships, evolve and grow as opportunities present themselves. Some examples of this philosophy in action over the last several years include our association’s expansion into serving the paint and decorating retail market space and the recent merging of our State of Independents Conference with the Hardware Conference to form the new Independent Home Improvement Conference, taking place in a few short weeks. Well, this month, your association is taking another step in its commitment to grow, and we are proud to announce our acquisition of one of this industry’s most respected media brands—Hardware Connection. Not only has NHPA acquired the Hardware Connection brand but we have also brought onboard the magazine’s long-time

editor Doug Donaldson who will be a valuable addition to our communications team along with the publication’s longtime sales representative Dan Beck. As a publication, Hardware Connection was somewhat of a trailblazer in the channel as the industry’s first and largest digital only media brand. Moving forward, NHPA hopes to leverage these unique insights to better serve our readers. Over the short-term, NHPA will be clearly defining the roles of all of its media properties: Hardware Retailing, Hardware Connection and Paint & Decorating Retailer. Each of these brands will fill a distinct role in our communications and outreach delivering both strategic and tactical business insights to owners, store level employees and the industry at large. We are excited about this latest addition and firmly believe it will further NHPA’s mission to help home improvement retailers, regardless of affiliation, become better and more profitable merchants. To read more about this acquisition and how NHPA’s growing media reach, please see the article on Page 50.

Dan M. Tratensek Chief Operating Officer

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CONNECT

lthompson@YourNHPA.org

EDITORIALLY SPEAKING

Lindsey Thompson

Independent Doesn’t Mean Isolation I

“There are so many retailers who want to share and are willing to be a listening ear and sounding board with advice on what has (and hasn’t) worked for them. You just have to ask.”

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

saw a meme the other day that said: “Me trying to ask someone for a favor: Hey could you help me with this thing? Absolutely no pressure though. Totally OK if you can’t. If you’d rather run me over with a car that’s cool. Are you mad at me?” I felt so seen. I am the worst at asking for help. One of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands, Twenty One Pilots, always hits home: “I don’t bother anyone. Never make demands.” Whether it’s because I am the oldest daughter, a people-pleaser and/or a perfectionist, looking back, I think I have always found it hard to ask for help. I think for me, it’s less of a pride thing and more of a self-esteem thing—I truly do not want to bother anyone. By the time this issue hits your mailbox, we will be just a few weeks away from the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference). Now in its third year, the IHI Conference is the prime time to connect with retailers, vendors and other industry players, regardless of what flag you fly. The event brings together the independent home improvement channel from all corners for educational sessions, engaging keynotes and plenty of networking opportunities, not to mention the chance to enjoy a little Florida sunshine and the gorgeous JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. It will also be the perfect time to ask for help. The name is a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy—independent retailers are fiercely independent and for a reason, but being independent doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive with relying on others.

The IHI Conference will offer several opportunities for networking, including Partner Pavilion happy hours on both days, the Independents Celebration on Tuesday night where we’ll get together for a Yacht Rock party (don’t forget those boat shoes and captain’s hats!) and the Independents Awards Gala. There will also be chances in between breakout sessions and the general sessions for connecting with fellow retailers, many of whom are facing the same challenges and trying to take advantage of the same opportunities. Once the IHI Conference ends, the opportunities for connection don’t stop there. The North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) hosts several roundtables each year, where like-minded retailers can get together and discuss topics like human resources, leadership, marketing, merchandising and more. I am excited to launch a new Women’s Leadership Roundtable this fall, where women in the channel can come together to exchange ideas, share best practices and find common ground as females in a male-dominated industry. Don’t be like me—ask for help! There are so many retailers who want to share and are willing to be a listening ear and sounding board with advice on what has (and hasn’t) worked for them. You just have to ask.

Lindsey Thompson Editor & Director of Content Development

August 6-8, 2026 Sevierville Convention Center Sevierville, TN The Hardware Exchange Dealer Market is your ticket to discover new products, connect with vendors, and unlock buying opportunities that aren’t available anywhere else.

LEARN MORE

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Real-World Best Practices INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT

Discover valuable insights from industry leaders at the 2026 IHI Conference. Learn more at hardwareretailing.com/learn-today.

Pack a Lunch B

eing right isn’t enough, and I’ve learned that the hard way. A trusted friend called me out on how I show up, and often “No” can be my first response. I know better, and I was raised better. I’ve gotten into a bad habit: If I’m busy or feeling stressed and someone brings me an idea, it’s not uncommon for me to lead with “No,” when I mean, “I think the effort isn’t worth the outcome.” I usually try to explain exactly why and sometimes I’m even right. And slowly, without realizing it, I was becoming someone reliably closed-minded. My pessimism leads me to snap judgments. Being right and being useful had quietly parted ways. Two phrases from my Dad come to mind. When I was fifteen or so, like so many cocky teen boys, I told my dad I could definitely work faster than him and could take him in a fight. He didn’t

“The leader who’s usually right but always leads with why something won’t work will eventually find themselves working alone.”

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

argue, maybe just laughed a little, but he did have two things to say. On the fight: “Maybe one day you could take me, but you better pack a lunch, because it’s going to take all day.” On the work: “Maybe. But can you keep coming back day after day? Marathoners always beat sprinters…eventually.” He is a reliable force for good, an inventor, a volunteer and the guy consistently still showing up to serve after a full week of work. He never announced the effort. He just keeps coming back. My mom taught me the other half. Over the course of my life, I’ve seen her run a daycare, plan weddings, teach unruly children, teach unruly adults, pick up new skills and serve her family, neighbors and strangers alike with a servant’s heart. Recently I was alone for a thousand miles of windshield time in an unfamiliar state, so naturally I called her. I was talking through how I’d be taking inventory in eight stores so far from home in just two weeks. Somewhere in that conversation she complimented me about how I’d never once mapped out what failure would look like—I’d just started planning from today to “job well done.” She wasn’t surprised. “Well of course not, Jared. It’s just work—you know how to do that.” I never saw them lead with “No”—I was raised better than that. Even if accurate, a “No” delivered at the wrong moment, in the wrong order, is still wrong. The leader who’s usually right but always leads with why something won’t work will eventually find themselves working alone. Lead with “Yes.” Explain what it takes. Pack your lunch.

Jared Brown Director of Business Intelligence The Aubuchon Company

About Jared Jared Brown is the director of business intelligence for The Aubuchon Company. He has a degree in kinesiology and biomechanics from Miami University and came to Aubuchon in 2015 from the banking world. At Aubuchon, he is involved in inventory planning and forecasting, margin management and retail pricing and process improvement and operations. He has been integral in streamlining and modernizing Aubuchon’s inventory management strategies after the company closed its distribution operations. Jared is a 2023 graduate of NHPA’s RMCP class, graduating with honors.

CONNECT

Send Jared a Message jared.brown@aubuchon.com Jared Brown

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Deck Frame Coating

Deck Frame Coating from FastenMaster is a rubberized waterproof coating designed for treated lumber and deck framing components. It is intended for use on joists, beams, ledgers, stair stringers and posts to help protect against moisture exposure that can contribute to wood rot and decay. The coating is applied directly to framing surfaces before deck board installation. FastenMaster | fastenmaster.com

Drywall Anchor

The Plastic Toggle Anchor from TOGGLER is a hollow-wall anchor designed for mounting items to drywall, tile and masonry surfaces. The anchor features a two-part plastic design that expands behind the wall for load distribution and secure fastening. It is intended for applications such as shelving, fixtures and wall-mounted accessories. TOGGLER | toggler.com

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

RETAILER RECOMMENDED

Air Admittance Valve

Oatey SureVent 160 branch air admittance valves (DFU) are fitting-style valves that allow air to enter a plumbing drain system to equalize pressure and help drains flow properly while preventing sewer gases from entering the building. Oatey | oatey.com

“Customers come in looking for these specifically, and we sell hundreds of units during the peak bug season. The system is convenient to use thanks to its set-it-and-forget-it application.” —Brittany Stanley, East Texas Hardware

Mosquito Killer

Insect Spray

The Say No to Bugs Insect Treatment from Urban Gardener is an insect control product designed for use on indoor and outdoor plants. The treatment is formulated to target common garden insects and pests while being suitable for home gardening applications. It is intended for use on foliage, soil and growing areas. Urban Gardener | geturbangardener.com

The Supplemental Single Box Pro Tech from Spartan Mosquito is a mosquito control system designed to treat properties up to two acres. The bundle contains two Pro Tech tubes that are activated with warm water and placed around a property’s perimeter. The tubes are designed to provide mosquito control for up to 30 days per deployment and do not require electricity or batteries. Spartan Mosquito spartanmosquito.com

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

NEW PRODUCTS

Screwdriver Set

The 10-Piece Dual Material Magnetic Combination Screwdriver Set from SK Tools includes a range of magnetic screwdrivers for fastening applications. The tools feature dual-material handles for grip and control and magnetic tips for holding fasteners during use. The set includes multiple driver sizes and tip configurations for general service and repair work. SK Tools | sktools.com

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HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

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Outdoor Rocking Chair

The Grab-and-Go Rocker from GCI Outdoor is a folding outdoor rocking chair featuring a spring-action rocking mechanism to rock on most flat surfaces and a collapsible steel frame for transport and storage. The chair includes padded armrests, a beverage holder and a carry handle for portability. GCI Outdoor | gcioutdoor.com

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

NEW PRODUCTS

Vacuum Mounting Attachment

The VersaMount from GRABO is a mounting attachment designed for use with GRABO vacuum lifting tools. It provides a platform for attaching and securing materials or accessories during lifting and positioning applications. The attachment is ideal for handling materials such as tile, stone, glass and other flat surfaces used in construction and installation work. GRABO | order.grabo.com

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

THE ART OF ® MERCHANDISING

Rust Prevention Spray

Rust Patrol Heavy Duty Aerosol from Rust Patrol is a rust prevention and protective coating formulated for metal surfaces. The aerosol product is designed to penetrate and seal rusted or exposed metal to help reduce corrosion. It is intended for automotive, industrial and general maintenance applications. Rust Patrol | rustpatrol.com

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

COVER STORY

Generations of Leadership Top Guns Honoree Denise Brookhouse Honors Her Family’s Legacy BY LINDSEY THOMPSON

elebrating its 20th year honoring trailblazing retailers in the channel, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has named its 2026 Top Guns Awards honorees, including Denise Brookhouse, CEO of Koopman Lumber, which is based in the Northeast. “Top Guns honorees are pillars of forward-thinking and innovation, and have helped grow their businesses through strategic leadership with consideration for their communities, their teams and the industry,” says Scott Wright, NHPA president and publisher. “They’ve grown their businesses, challenged the status quo and led

their teams through some of the industry’s toughest moments—and they’re not done yet. This year’s Top Guns are prime examples of what bold leadership looks like in independent home improvement retail today.” Denise says she is honored to receive this recognition and join the class of accomplished past honorees. “To be included in that category is truly an honor, but I’m only here because of the team that we have at Koopman Lumber,” Denise says. “I share this honor with all the employees and my team. This is a great industry with a lot of great people in it, and so to be recognized alongside them is an honor.”

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July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Top of Their Game Meet the Other 2026 NHPA Top Guns Awards Honorees

Ash Ebbo, Clement’s Paint

The independent paint channel is in Ash Ebbo’s blood. Her father opened Clement’s Paint in 1986, so it has been a part of her entire life. Joining the operation full time 12 years ago, Ash went into the business with a desire to continue the legacy her father started. While she has been building future leaders, she’s been growing as a leader herself and recently earned a master in business administration. As the CEO of the nine-store operation, Ash manages the back-end ﬁnancials and oversees all operational areas. Learn more about Ash in the May issue of Paint & Decorating Retailer

David Enmark, The Helpful Hardware Co.

David Enmark had set his sights on becoming a federal agent, but after spending time working at his wife’s family’s hardware store, he fell in love with the industry. After that store closed, he worked in the software business in the automotive segment. From there, David took a job with Epicor and later would work on the wholesaler side at Do it Best and True Value. David joined The Helpful Hardware Co. as CEO in November 2023. Learn more about David in the May issue of Hardware Retailing

Jason Blair, TAL Building Centers Achieving his goal of becoming a CEO by the age of 50, Jason Blair serves as CEO of TAL Building Centers, leading with a focus on the basics and building up future leaders by setting the example of accountability. Jason’s journey in the independent home improvement channel began after he ﬁnished high school in Tucson, Arizona, and started working at Payless Cashways. His journey in the industry would take him to Foxworth-Galbraith, Higginbotham Brothers, True Value and Wilco Farm Stores. Learn more about Jason in the June issue of Hardware Retailing

Scan the QR code to subscribe to Hardware Retailing and Paint & Decorating Retailer and meet all of our 2026 Top Gun Award honorees.

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

The Path of Leadership

Denise was born into the industry. Her grandfather Peter founded Koopman Lumber in 1939 and her father Don joined the company after a career in teaching and sales. “When I was 10, I would walk down to the hardware stores to dust shelves and face product,” Denise says. “From there, I moved up to receive product, work as a cashier and cut keys.” While in college, Denise continued working at the stores during the summer but moved on to work as a Certified Public Accountant and then as part of the internal audit division of a Fortune 500 company. After several years in the corporate world, Don invited Denise and husband Tony to join the company. In 2011, Denise’s husband, Tony Brookhouse, who currently serves as COO of Koopman Lumber, received the Top Guns Awards honor, making the couple the first husband and wife to be named honorees. Koopman Lumber, started in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, operates 17 locations in the northeast U.S., including 15 retail stores and two distribution centers. The locations serve a mix of contractors and DIYers and include lumberyards, traditional hardware stores and one paint store. The operation employs over 580 people and also offers engineering and estimating, a window division, a kitchen division, power and rental. What makes the operation successful is the culture and the company’s involvement in the communities where it has stores, Denise says. “Because of our experienced and knowledgeable team, when people are working with Koopman Lumber, they realize that we can be a trusted partner,” she says. “We have strong core values and family values that we integrate into our day-to-day interactions with our staff and also our customers.”

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

INDUSTRY AWARDS

The Best of the Best

Learn more about NHPA’s Top Guns Awards program and see how these outstanding retailers are positively impacting the independent channel at YourNHPA.org/topguns.

In January 2026, Denise transitioned into the CEO role for the company after serving as CFO for 15 years. She succeeded her brother Dirk, who had served as the company’s CEO since 2010 and now is the company’s president and board chair. “In January, I started going on what I was calling a listening tour, meeting all the employees, getting out to all the locations and connecting with all the managers to start formulating short and long term goals,” Denise says. “From what I learned, I was able to set those goals that would benefit all aspects of the company.” The No. 1 goal Denise has set for the company is remaining independent and family-owned, integrating the fourth generation into the business and growing through either acquisitions or ground ups. Leadership also wants to keep focusing on using data and implementing AI solutions to make all teams more efficient. Koopman Lumber has partnered with 4R, an artificial intelligence platform that leverages AI to optimize a number of inventory related functions. Additionally, the company utilizes EZ-Commerce, which integrates e-commerce with the point of sale system to provide a better online experience for customers. “In the end, we just want to keep focusing on the customer, grow relationships and remain financially strong,” Denise says.

Exemplifying Leadership

In her journey from cashier to CEO, Denise credits the strong team she has in place. “I’m really only as strong as my team,” she says. “Having a really good team, especially with all the growth we’ve done in the last few years, has been key. That growth has really stretched our team in good ways, and I think it’s given us more opportunity.”

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

Family First Remaining independent and family-owned is a primary focus for Koopman Lumber CEO Denise Brookhouse.

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Women Leading Forward The new NHPA Women’s Leadership Roundtable will connect women in the independent channel to share best practices, challenges and opportunities and cover topics that help female leaders thrive. Scan the QR Code to learn more about NHPA’s roundtable events.

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

To grow as a leader, Denise takes part in several industry roundtables and reads books and listens to podcasts on leadership. She was also involved with a local family business group in her area. “That group helped me focus on the succession part of our business and provided helpful insights into how other family business leaders operated and interacted,” she says. Helping the teams at Koopman Lumber grow in their leadership abilities is also important to Denise, and the company has sent a number of employees to NHPA’s Retail Management Certification Program, which she says allows the company to find those employees who want to be developed as leaders and then gives

them the skills to do so. The company offers a program called G4, where fourth generation family members coming into the business must work outside the company for four years and then go through a rotation to work in every department, meet all of the teams and get an overall feel for how it operates and everyone contributes. Denise also has the goal of developing a leadership program at Koopman Lumber to identify employees who want to grow into managers and future leaders. “Our rule is that family members have to work four years somewhere else before they can ask to join the company,” she says. “Once they do, they complete a series of 9- to 11-month

rotations within different areas of the business. They also work with outside consultants and are reviewed by other employees who are not relatives before their career path is developed.” To be successful in the independent channel moving forward, Denise says that retailers will need to pay attention to the consolidation happening in the industry and have a succession plan in place. “I think technology will continue to be very important in keeping businesses more efficient, and along with embracing innovation, independents need to keep fulfilling the customer service piece,” she says. “That customer service side will continue to be a differentiator.”

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Delivering on Service Retailers Turn to Last-Mile Offerings as a Market Differentiator BY LINDSEY THOMPSON

rom toothbrushes to tortillas, cat food to couches, with a few swipes and taps, a consumer can have nearly anything they want or need delivered to their front door, sometimes within hours. No longer just a buzzword, omnichannel is the expectation when it comes to a customer’s shopping experience. Consumers want it all: the ability to shop online that blends seamlessly with a meaningful in-store experience, all wrapped up with convenient last-mile solutions. As e-commerce continues to grow and evolve—Forrester’s U.S. Retail E-Commerce Forecast, 2025 To 2030 predicts that U.S. e-commerce sales will hit $1.8 trillion by

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

2030 and will account for 29% of total retail sales—the need for last-mile solutions like delivery will also grow. Meeting customers where they are, whether that is at home, in the store or online, is vital to a retailer’s success, and for independent home improvement retailers, any opportunity to differentiate themselves and gain some market share is welcome for growth. Learn how two retailers are meeting their customers’ expectations with delivery services and how delivery has helped differentiate their businesses in their local markets and provide an additional layer of customer service for both pros and DIYers.

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Delivery Becomes a Cost of Doing Business

When Kevin Fisher, owner of Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware in Walnut Creek, California, opened his store in 2008, there was an immediate strong demand for grills and customers wanting delivery for their new barbecue purchases. “As a new store looking to grow, we found ourselves building and delivering the grills at no extra charge using a rented pickup truck, and sales took oﬀ,” Fisher says. “We also discovered a competitive advantage by oﬀering to pick up their old grills and recycle them, which added no real extra cost. Customers loved the service.” After a couple years, Fisher purchased a 14-foot box truck with a

lift gate to handle larger, bulky items and expanded from delivering just grills to patio items, bagged soils, nursery products, sheds and other oversized items. The store continues to oﬀer free local delivery for orders of $50 or more within 10 miles, but charges a modest fee for deliveries made outside the free 10-mile zone and for deliveries on certain items. About six years ago, Fisher added a Ford Transit van to deliver smaller items more economically and meet the growing demand for online deliveries to homes. To help fund the deliveries, Fisher created a pricing strategy of slightly increasing prices on a grouping of non-competitive items to increase operating margins. “Over the past decade, Amazon and other big-box retailers have signiﬁcantly grown their online

Expanding Services Adding a 14-foot box truck to the operation’s fleet has allowed Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware to deliver bigger, bulkier items.

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

61%

of consumers prefer home delivery over in-store pickup Source: Retail Consumer Trends in 2026: Meeting Shoppers’ Expectations Across Demographics, UPS

Ready to Go Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware has a dedicated space in the store for assembling and staging items for delivery.

sales by offering free delivery. Watching this, we felt that delivery was fast becoming an important marketing tool for growth,” Fisher says. “As a result, we decided to absorb the direct costs of delivery and make it a cost of doing business, similar to how we offer in-aisle help with no extra fee. Helping customers easily get their purchases back to their homes is our commitment to offering the highest level of convenience and service.” Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware also partners with DoorDash for deliveries that are beyond the reasonable delivery radius or in isolated areas, which allows the company to conserve store resources and still make money on the sale. Adding delivery not only takes an investment of money, it also requires manpower. To manage deliveries

without disrupting in-store operations, Fisher has set up a dedicated build room where he assigns daily labor. The store also employs a dedicated delivery driver who will help out with builds and other services when not on the road, and has several employees who serve as backup drivers when needed. “We train potential drivers as needed, but we usually have only two lead drivers to cover the week as we usually deliver every day of the week,” Fisher says. Utilizing technology has also been key to managing deliveries at Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware. Starting oﬀ with spreadsheets, notes and calendars, after six years of development and use, Fisher and the team ﬁnalized a comprehensive customer order management program this past fall called Omni. A cloud-based, integrated

application, Omni allows all customer orders to be managed in just one location, integrating with the store’s POS and inventory software and allowing employees to process remote sales via phone, email and text by emailing payment links to customers, similar to how Amazon handles orders. Customer orders that require attention because of missed milestones or other problems are ﬂagged continuously for employees to follow up. Downtown Walnut Creek Ace Hardware is currently testing Omni with several other local stores, and Fisher hopes to make it available to other interested stores for a modest subscription fee to help recoup some of the development costs. “We looked hard for a software product that could manage all our Continued on Page 34

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

How the Big Boxes Are Approaching Last-Mile Knowing how big-box retailers are strategizing delivery and last-mile services can help you craft your own delivery strategies that allow you to differentiate in your market, expand your reach and provide a higher level of customer service.

The Home Depot Earlier this year, The Home Depot launched the industry’s ﬁrst real-time delivery tracker for big and bulky materials. The feature will be available on The Home Depot’s mobile app and homedepot.com and will provide minute-by-minute updates on deliveries, including visibility into the truck route and remaining stops. Standard Delivery • Customers can schedule deliveries to arrive within a certain timeframe • Many orders arrive between same day and two days • Delivery cost depends on order size, order total, item dimensions, delivery method selected and location • For over 2 million items, standard delivery is always free • Oversized or heavy items have more varied delivery fees, ranging from free to $79 Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery • Order select items by 4 p.m.

Lowe’s In February 2026, Lowe’s implemented its Pro Extended Aisle program, which offers pros an expanded digital catalog with real-time inventory and pricing, fast quotes for job lot and bulk orders and direct-to-jobsite delivery from participating suppliers. Standard Delivery • One to seven days • Delivery to front entryway in a location that’s protected from the weather • Large or heavy items, delivered to nearest main entrance of home • Free shipping for MyLowe’s Rewards and MyLowe’s Pro Rewards members who place orders over $25 and that weigh less than 150 pounds Same-Day Delivery • Order by 2 p.m. local time, delivery by 8 p.m. • Available in select zip codes • Fees are based on the weight and dimensions of the cart

Tractor Supply Co. In December 2024, Tractor Supply Co. launched its last-mile initiative with plans to add more than 150 new hub locations in 2026. These hubs—which total about 375 and cover over half of the Tractor Supply Co. stores—will bring drivers and inventory from different facilities together for deliveries to nearby customers. By 2030, the company plans to deliver up to 95% of large-item orders itself and will continue partnering with providers like UPS’ Roadie to lower cost per delivery across channels. Standard Delivery • Parcel items delivered to a designated delivery location like a porch or mailbox • Oversize items delivered curbside to a residence or business Same Day Delivery • Available in select areas • Eligible Items ordered before noon local time will be delivered the same day as order is placed • Eligible Items ordered after noon local time will be delivered the following day after order is placed

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS TRUST TITEBOND

Continued from Page 31

customer orders and deliveries, but weren’t successful,” Fisher says. “Our high volume of barbecue sales combined with our growing online sales, both pickup and delivery, screen repairs, key FOB programming, special orders and other services led us to develop a software program that could help us manage all our customer orders in just one location, but accessible from anywhere in or out of the store.” Fisher says they have had very few problems with the delivery services, as customers are kept regularly apprised of their orders via text or email, and

34 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

build lists and delivery logs create operational efficiency. “We have embraced the new retail world of omnichannel selling, which has provided a way for us to differentiate from the big online and big-box retailers,” Fisher says. “Traditional retail sales—where customers drive to their local hardware store, shop the aisles, checkout at POS and take their purchases home with them—are flat to declining in mature markets. Omni allows retail hardware stores to meet their customers where and when they want to shop, including offering drop-off or white glove delivery options. It really works.”

Delivery Goes Next Level

Fresno Ag Hardware, with locations in Fresno and Clovis, California, has oﬀered delivery for a number of years, starting by oﬀering delivery of larger, bulky items like barbecues, patio furniture, bags of soil and other items customers naturally needed help getting home. Right before COVID-19, Fresno Ag Hardware went all in and made the conscious decision to become a real player in delivery, expanding to also deliver everyday items, says COO Ian Williams. “Delivery fits perfectly into what we do because our whole game is Continued on Page 37

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Illinois Hardware Store Offers Unique Delivery Service Deliveries Come to Customers on 3 Wheels Every summer, Oye’s Hardware in Arthur, Illinois, brings out its signature yellow bicycle to deliver orders to local customers. “We wanted to offer a delivery service that was a little more fun and put a smile on everyone’s face,” says Casey Oye, owner of Oye’s Hardware. Delivery is available for any items sold in the store. To

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

be delivered by bike, orders must meet or exceed $50 and customers must live within ﬁve miles of the store. Oye’s Hardware coined the slogan, “Don’t you Quiver, We deliver!” for their delivery service, which has become a local favorite. “Our customers love it,” Oye says. “Everyone enjoys seeing us coming down the road on the bike!”

Staff members take turns pedaling the orders to customers, and Oye’s daughter, Myla, often tags along on deliveries. “This started when our daughter, Myla, was little, and she wanted to ride with us,” Oye says. Oye says a few deliveries per week are made on the bike during the summer, bringing unique charm to the community.

Continued from Page 34

customer service,” Williams says “Extending that interaction past our doors and into our customers’ homes allowed us to enhance that experience even further.” Between the operation’s own delivery truck and dedicated delivery team and its partnership with DoorDash and Roadie, there are very few items the stores don’t deliver. Geography remains the biggest constraint to delivery, with the store offering free delivery on orders over $75 within a 25-mile radius with a few exceptions for customers willing to pay a fee for longer distances. “Sometimes the margins are slim, and we know we might break even or lose a little on the delivery itself, but we’re banking on that customer coming back in-store,” Williams says. “The lifetime value is worth it.” The stores do not deliver large items on Mondays or Thursdays, which are the stores’ heaviest inbound freight days. “Outside those days, we’re open to deliver,” he says. “Occasionally, a team member will even drop off an item on their way home or into work the next day.” Williams says customers not only love the delivery services but have come to expect them. “We’re often faster than Amazon. In most cases, orders are confirmed within 15 minutes, and delivery is scheduled shortly after,” he says. “We truly believe: deliver or die.” While Williams says it can take some time to find the right cadence and strategy for delivery, in today’s market, delivery is no longer optional. “The sooner you start, the sooner you figure out what works for your business. You will have to

supplement gas, and depending on the state, you should consider asking your insurance company what that looks like,” Williams says. “But start small or look into third party services like Roadie. They are more expensive to deliver, but at least you have the option available for the customer. Even just starting off by finding one person who is willing to drop things off on their way home can get you well on your way to serving customers at a higher level.”

Set Apart by Service

Providing paint, coatings and interior design services to northern California since the 1950s, Warehouse Paint, which now has five locations in the Sacramento area, has offered delivery since the 1970s. Leslie Kilmer, president for Warehouse Paint, says delivery has been a crucial part of the company’s operations for at least five decades. “As we’ve opened up new stores, delivery has always been a core part of our services. It’s allowed us to expand our reach and easily support customers from centralized store locations,” Kilmer says. Each of the operation’s five stores has the equivalent of a full-time driver, with some stores having employees who split their time in that role, so other employees are not having to figure out how to split time between serving in-store customers and making deliveries. Each store also has one or more delivery vehicles, either a van, truck or both. All deliveries come directly from each store; Warehouse Paint does not operate a centralized warehouse and each location’s manager has the autonomy to manage delivery in a way that best suits that store.

While the majority of deliveries are 5-gallon buckets of paint, Warehouse Paint will deliver pretty much anything for sale in the stores, while always staying conscious of the high gas prices in California, Kilmer says. “While we don’t necessarily have an order minimum or specific turnaround time for deliveries, we certainly try to make every request work with the rest of our delivery schedule,” she says. “If it’s a contractor who is truly short just a gallon, we’re going to work that in as quickly as possible to meet their deadline. If it’s a customer that’s always having us deliver a single gallon the same day, we’ll have a conversation to find a better way to serve them and protect our bottom line. Serving customers is the primary goal so if a store is unable to get product delivered to meet their deadline, we have other resources such as our outside sales team to help make it happen.” Offering delivery services comes with upfront equipment costs, additional labor costs, maintenance and effort, but for Warehouse Paint, this service has helped differentiate them in the market. Kilmer says other retailers considering adding delivery services should be certain they are in the position to be able to offer the service fully. “To be able to do delivery right, you have to go all in and truly embrace the service, including all that comes with it—those upfront costs for a vehicle and personnel, maintenance costs and more,” Kilmer says. “Offering delivery provides tremendous value to our customers and is a core part of our services. I can’t imagine us not doing it.”

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT CONFERENCE

MAPPING OUT SUCCESS Find the Path to Growth at the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference

o other event brings the independent home improvement channel together like the Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference), taking place July 29-30. Attendees will include retailers from every wholesaler umbrella, vendors and service providers from across the country and industry experts and players, who will take part in

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

educational sessions, engage in networking events and enjoy the sun and fun of the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes. With an emphasis on leadership, innovation and operational excellence, the IHI Conference delivers a premier experience that will equip attendees with the insights, connections and inspiration needed to thrive in today’s evolving retail landscape.

TUES

7/ 28 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Registration Open

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Orgill Partner Events

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Exhibitor & Manufacturer Luncheon

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Independents Celebration

Start your conference experience early with partner-hosted events leading into the IHI Conference. All conference attendees are invited to the partner events to gather ideas, connect with your peers and see what’s new in the industry. Sessions will cover a wide variety of topics, including margin management, maximizing labor, practical marketing solutions and innovation in action. Plus, Orgill will present its technology symposium, diving into the ways retailers can embrace innovation for growth. The symposium sessions will look closer at retail technology and AI in action, e-commerce, product information management tools and more.

Ahoy, it’s time to party! You don’t want to miss this exciting kickoff event full of food, fun and a little funk. Come out for the Independents Celebration and enjoy a rocking Yacht Rock band who will get your conference started on a smooth and mellow note. Official Food & Beverage Sponsor

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

WED

7/ 29 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Registration Open

7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Partner Pavilion Open

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

Featuring a laid-back environment where retailers can discover new solutions and talk business, the Partner Pavilion is the place to meet service providers and vendors who have the solutions your operation needs.

‫ ب‬Building a Merchandising Continuum in the Independent Home Improvement Channel

In this session, merchandising expert Tony Corsberg introduces the Merchandising Continuum and explores how independent retailers can take a more connected and intentional approach to merchandising.

‫ ب‬Operational Agility: Building Retail Operations for an Ever-Changing Market

Explore the foundational elements of modern retail operations—including team structure, inventory strategy, technology and more—and how independent businesses can design systems that adapt to change rather than react to it.

‫ ب‬The Talent Relationship Management Cycle: Your Key to Team and Customer Engagement

Examine the key elements of each part of the Talent Relationship Management value chain and identify what really matters in employee engagement.

‫ ب‬What’s Happening With Store Consolidations?

Craig Webb has been tracking the opening, closing and merging of construction businesses for 20 years and will share the perspective to reveal what’s likely and what’s hype regarding construction supply M&A.

40 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

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H OT E L I N FO R M AT I O N Welcome to the ideal Orlando resort! Come and unwind in the stylish modern comforts of the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, set amid 500 acres of tropical gardens, lakes and undulating fairways. Scan the QR code for more information on the resort’s features, nearby activities and discounts to area attractions and parks.

8:40 a.m. - 9:10 a.m.

Breakout Sessions � Advancing on the Merchandising Continuum: Turning Strategy Into In-Aisle Execution

Tony Corsberg focuses on practical ways retailers can improve in-aisle execution and elevate their merchandising performance and contribute to the Merchandising Continuum.

� Inside the Margin 1.0: The Real Story Behind Gross Profit Margin

Mike Aylen dives into why gross profit is more important now than ever for retailers and how operations can take small steps to protect margin.

� Succession Planning Starts Now: Building the Foundation for the Future of Your Business

In this session, we will explore the foundational elements every independent retailer should be thinking about today to ensure the future of their business.

� Relating Talent Relationship Management the Disney Way to Your Business, Part 1

Former Disney Institute facilitator Jon Langford, former Disney Retail Manager Michael Lyons and Dr. Rob will relate legacy Disney best practices to winning at retail.

� SPONSORED: Unmistakable: Executive Visibility in the Independent Home Improvement Channel

Whether you’re building a business, running a product line or stepping into your next level of leadership, this session will challenge how you show up and give you the tools to do it with authority, confidence and purpose.

� SPONSORED: Beyond the Counter: Why Independent Hardware Stores Should Offer Services—and How to Do It Successfully

Darryl Rose shares why services represent one of the largest growth opportunities available to independent hardware stores and what separates successful programs from those that struggle.

42 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

Run Better Today. Build Smarter for Tomorrow. Practical wins now. Smarter growth next.

Join Orgill and the IHI Conference for three days of practical strategies, innovative solutions and forward-looking ideas designed to help strengthen your business today and prepare for what's next.

JULY 28 - 30, 2026 | ORLANDO Start Early with Orgill

Discover More About Orgill Partner Day at: Orgill.com/ihi-conference

JULY 28 | ORGILL PARTNER DAY

Start your conference experience one day earlier with Orgill. A full day of exclusive content, tools and connections designed to help you run better today and build smarter for tomorrow.

Education Sessions

Practical insights and strategies to help your business grow.

Orgill Programs & Services

Explore the solutions and support designed to drive your success.

CONTINUE THE EXPERIENCE JULY 29 - 30, 2026 | IHI CONFERENCE

Fall Technology Symposium

Get a first look at the innovative tools and technology shaping what’s next.

Discover new ideas, build valuable connections and celebrate the retailers shaping the future of independent home improvement.

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EXHIBITORS Interact with leading industry vendors and service providers in a casual setting. These industry-leading companies will be sharing their products and services as part of a robust Partner Pavilion and networking events. Scan the QR code to see what vendors and service providers will be a part of the 2026 IHI Conference.

9:20 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.

Breakout Sessions � Beyond the Transition: Strategic and Innovative Approaches to Succession Planning

Explore strategic and innovative approaches that independent retailers are using to ensure long-term success and discuss new perspectives on succession planning.

� From Search to Store: How Smart Retailers Turn Online Visibility Into Foot Traffic

Discover how retailers can strengthen their search visibility, build a digital presence that accurately reflects the in-store experience and leverage multi-channel marketing strategies to meet customers wherever they are in their buying journey.

� Inside the Margin 2.0: Protecting Your Business with Margin Management

Mike Aylen shares how to identify and correct under- and over-pricing errors and build a disciplined yet flexible pricing strategy that balances vendor SRP and margin targets.

� Relating Talent Relationship Management the Disney Way to Your Business, Part 2

Jon Langford, Michael Lyons and Dr. Rob will continue the Disney retail conversation by discussing how incremental innovation can create magical experiences.

� SPONSORED: Innovations in Technology: 3 Things That Are Key to Saving You Time & Money

Discover three specific ways that using the right strategic tools can shift from being a cost center to a powerful engine for long-term savings and increased revenue.

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions � Effectively Hiring Business Builders in Your Key Positions See how to use Gallup’s affordable and robust Builder Profile-10 tool to mitigate the risk of these hires and best leverage their talents once they join the team.

44 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

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‫ ب‬From Hype to Hardware: AI Tools That Are Changing Independent Retail

Discover how AI and emerging technologies are changing the way retailers operate, compete and serve customers and hear from independent retailers who are actively integrating AI into their operations.

‫ ب‬The Future Is Independent: Next-Generation Leaders Redefining Home Improvement Retail

In this session, expect bold ideas, honest insights and an inspiring look at why the future of the home improvement industry remains firmly in the hands of independent retailers.

‫ ب‬The Media Playbook: How Independent Retailers Can Use Storytelling to Stand Out in a Crowded Market Stefanie Couch will show attendees how to use podcasts, video, and social content to build authority, deepen vendor relationships, and attract customers who already trust them before they walk through the door.

‫ ب‬SPONSORED: Selling Your Business—Building Your Team to Maximize Value

Learn how Owner Planning is a structured process designed to help hardware store owners make the right long-term decisions about their business, whether that’s preparing to sell, transition, or simply improve profitability and value.

26JulyNHPA.indd 1 RETAILING | July/August 2026 46 HARDWARE

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10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Partner Pavilion Interactions

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Provided

12:30 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

General Session Welcome

12:45 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

State of the Industry: Embracing What's Next

1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Helmets to Home Improvement Panel: Hero to Hardware

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Aligning Strategy, Structure and Opportunity for Growth

Take a comprehensive look at the current state of the independent home improvement channel, highlighting key trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Attendees will gain insights into market performance, shifting customer behaviors and competitive pressures impacting independent retailers and distributors and leave with a clearer understanding of where the industry stands today—and where it’s headed next. While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, NHPA recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry. Hear from military veterans who are now part of the independent channel who share their stories of how their military experience has translated into the channel.

Explore how independent home improvement retailers can position themselves for sustainable growth by aligning business strategy, organizational structure and emerging market opportunities. Highlighting practical ways to strengthen operations and adapt to changing customer expectations, this presentation will help retailers build a foundation for long-term success in an increasingly competitive industry. 2:30 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Closing Remarks

2:35 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Partner Pavilion & Vendor Village Happy Hour

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Independents Awards Gala

Don’t miss this chance to mingle with fellow retailers, enjoy a drink and snack and get to know the manufacturers and service providers who have the solutions you need to address a myriad of operational challenges. A highlight of the conference is the Industry Awards Gala, an evening celebrating the leaders shaping the future of the independent channel. The gala honors NHPA’s Top Guns and the Young Retailer of the Year Award winners, alongside the Hardware Connection’s Beacon Award honorees—bringing the industry together to recognize excellence, innovation and lasting impact.

48 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

THUR

7/ 30 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Registration Open

7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Partner Pavilion Open

7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Breakout Sessions

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Partner Pavilion Interactions

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch Provided

12:30 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.

General Session Welcome

12:35 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Unpacking Macroeconomics’ Impact on the Independent Channel

Outlining the current state of the home improvement industry, HIRI executive director Dave King will shed light on where the industry is headed and how economic factors are impacting the independent channel. Plus, he will outline critical steps retailers need to take to thrive in an evolving and competitive landscape. 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Independent Awards Panel: Raising the Bar in Retail

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Shaping the Future of Independent Retail

2:30 p.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Top Guns Toast sponsored by

2:35 p.m. - 3:35 p.m.

Partner Pavilion & Vendor Village Happy Hour

Moving the needle and making a difference in their operations and their communities, these outstanding retailers are shaping the future of our industry. During this panel, Top Guns, Young Retailer of the Year and Beacon awards honorees will share their stories of success. Driving growth in the home improvement retail sector amid evolving consumer demands and market dynamics means evolving the traditional value propositions that independents have held for decades. In this panel discussion, retailers will share how they have leaned into e-commerce and experiential retail to differentiate, adapt and scale in a competitive landscape.

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

INDUSTRY NEWS

Stay Informed INDUSTRY NEWS

Don’t miss important industry updates and breaking news across all three of our media brands. Subscribe to the news that matters most YourNHPA.org/subscribe.

Stronger in Numbers NHPA Expands Media Brands With Acquisition of Hardware Connection BY LINDSEY THOMPSON

or over 125 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has been serving the needs of independent home improvement retailers across North America, helping retailers be better and more proﬁtable. NHPA publishes two respected monthly magazines that serve as trusted

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

resources for independent retailers across the channel. Hardware Retailing is dedicated to the home improvement industry, while Paint & Decorating Retailer focuses on the paint and decorating segment. Together, these publications deliver in-depth coverage on management best practices, operational strategies, new products and evolving

category trends that impact day-to-day business decisions. NHPA is expanding its media brands and role as the independent channel authority with the acquisition of Hardware Connection. Founded in 2009 as a digital-ﬁrst publication, Hardware Connection has grown into one of the hardware industry’s leading

“We are incredibly proud of what Hardware Connection has built over the years, and we are equally excited about its future with NHPA with its rich history of publishing excellence within the independent home improvement industry.” —Craig Cope, Hardware Connection media brands serving independent retailers across North America. The publication is known for retailer-focused coverage that combines practical advice, merchandising strategies and product coverage with in-depth storytelling about the people and businesses shaping the independent home improvement channel. Hardware Connection has earned multiple awards for editorial excellence and founded the Beacon Awards, which recognizes lifetime achievement, new store innovation and digital excellence. The addition of the Hardware Connection media brand will help NHPA better serve the independent channel with additional insights, further reach and collaborative content. Additionally, Hardware Connection readers beneﬁt from expanded coverage and the backing of the only trade association serving independents. “We are incredibly proud of what Hardware Connection has built over the years, and we are equally excited about its future with NHPA with its rich history of publishing excellence within the independent home improvement industry,” says former Hardware Connection owner Craig Cope. “Their

long-standing commitment to serving independent retailers made this a very natural ﬁt. The collaboration truly started with the Independent Home Improvement Conference, where our teams worked side by side to develop the Independent Awards Gala celebrating the Beacon Awards and Young Retailer of the Year winners. Expanding the gala this year to also include the Top Guns honorees reﬂects the shared vision both organizations have for recognizing excellence across the independent channel.” Each of NHPA’s media brands will extend their reach through robust websites, digital editions and additional online content—ensuring retailers have access to timely insights and practical guidance whenever and wherever they need it. Each media brand’s digital e-newsletter will be brought under the NHPA umbrella with daily NHPA e-newsletters powered by Hardware Retailing, Paint & Decorating Retailer and Hardware Connection. As the two organizations become one, leadership has set its sights on aligning frequency, format and focus to provide the best media products to the independent channel. Each of the

Craig Cope

Scott Wright

media brands will provide a different frequency, varying formats and a unique focus to keep content fresh, relevant and useful for readers. Championing the best, innovative and most interesting retailers and stories in each issue, NHPA’s media brands place an emphasis on topics that will propel the industry forward. Endlessly quoted and referenced, these publications have long stood as the definitive benchmarks by which the industry measures performance, insight and progress. “Bringing Hardware Connection into the NHPA media network improves our reach and brand positioning as the leading publisher and authority in the independent home improvement retail industry—providing timely, focused content that independent retailers rely on to operate successful hardware stores, home centers, lumberyards and paint and decorating stores,” says Scott Wright, NHPA president and publisher. “Combined with Hardware Retailing’s monthly print magazine and daily e-newsletter, Hardware Connection’s bi-monthly, digital format offers retailers—and advertisers—multiple mediums and a hybrid approach to meet independents where they are and how they want to receive our content, whether it’s keeping up with industry news, learning about retail best practices or access to the latest new products. We are thrilled to bring Hardware Connection and its loyal readership and following into the NHPA media network.”

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

2027

EXECUTIVE PLANNING CONFERENCE November 10-12, 2026 The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa • Tucson, AZ

The HDA Executive Planning Conference is designed to maximize ROI as one of the most interactive events in the industry. The conference features 20-minute, pre-scheduled appointments between vendor partners and key executives from over 30 independent hardware distributor companies. In addition, the EPC features numerous social networking opportunities including multiple receptions, meals at on-site restaurants and the golf scramble at the Signature course of La Paloma. Don’t miss one of the top-rated events in the industry! For more information or to register for the EPC, please contact Michele Simes at 720.875.2219 (direct) or at michele.simes@hdaworks.com www.executiveplanningconference.com

HDA Vendor Partners

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ARMY VALUES IN HARDWARE AISLES Joe Swortz Credits Military Service for Leadership Success BY

A N NI E

oe Swortz, a U.S. Army veteran and a ﬁnancial controller in the independent channel, attributes his current leadership and teamwork skills to his time in the military. Motivated by the desire to go to college without ﬁnancially impacting his parents,

54 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

DAM EWO RT H

Swortz joined the military at age 17, the summer before his senior year of high school. “I am one of four boys, and my parents, a policeman and Sunday school teacher, were ﬁguring out how to pay for my older brother’s college tuition,” says Swortz. “I wanted to go to college and ﬁgured the way to pay for

ASSOCIATION

An Honor to Serve

NHPA will share the stories of these hometown heroes in all of its media brands. Visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to learn more and nominate a veteran from your business to honor.

A New Way to Serve NHPA Program Honors Military Veterans Who Have Served Our Country, Channel While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, but they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry. NHPA honors the ongoing impact military veterans make throughout the home improvement industry through its Helmets to Home Improvement recognition program, with NHS Concept to Commerce and DIY Con as the program’s official founding sponsor and venue partner.

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

ASSOCIATION

Nominate a Veteran Help us honor those who have served our country and our channel. Visit YourNHPA.org/veterans to nominate a veteran from your business to be recognized.

From Hero to Hardware Celebrate Military Veterans at the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference

56 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

While there is no way to repay the sacrifices made by veterans of the armed forces, NHPA recognizes that not only have these individuals made a lasting impact on their country, they are also a prominent and positive influence within the home improvement industry. During the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference, taking place July 29-30 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, hear from military veterans who are now part of the independent channel who will share their stories of how their military experience has translated into the channel. Learn more at IHIConference.org.

T H A N K YOU TO O U R PR O GR A M S PO N S O R S

school without being a burden was to join the service.” Swortz enlisted in the U.S. Army, leaving for basic training two weeks after his graduation. Serving from 1984 to 1989, Swortz credits his years in service for shaping him as the leader and team player he is today. “Even though my time in the military was brief and started over 40 years ago, I still believe the core Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, service, honor, integrity and courage guide me today,” he says. After his military service, Swortz was looking for an escape from a 70-mile commute to his previous job and turned to his hometown thirdgeneration family-owned hardware store for a career opportunity, beginning his journey in independent home improvement retailing. During his time in college, Swortz worked in various home improvement centers in the paint, hardware, ﬂooring, lumber and glazing departments, which helped him relate to the high level of customer service and expertise needed to succeed in the independent channel.

Moving Forward

Swortz remembers his years in military service with gratitude, crediting the assistance he has received from VA programs in his civilian life. “Those years of service gave me a college education courtesy of the VEAP and the ability to buy homes with VA home loans when other options weren’t available,” he says. As a disabled veteran, Swortz says he also receives health and disability beneﬁts through the VA, although he struggled with his disability status for many years. “I was in denial about my disability for many years, even ashamed of my injury because it wasn’t visible,” he says. “But 14 years ago, through the support of fellow veterans of the Vietnam conﬂict and Gulf War, I was able to accept the care I needed and am forever grateful for their support.” Swortz believes military veterans support the home improvement retail industry in many ways, and in turn, the industry does a good job of supporting veterans. “Some veterans are prepared for the challenges that come after their service, while others need to seek support to deal with the military afterlife,” Swortz says. “Most retailers give the space and time needed to get veterans the support and assistance they need to become part of the community they work and live in.”

“Some veterans are prepared for the challenges that come after their service, while others need to seek support to deal with the military afterlife. Most retailers give the space and time needed to get veterans the support and assistance they need to become part of the community they work and live in.” —Joe Swortz

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Star Knickknacks Placerville Hardware's unique selection of impulse items, consisting of gifts, souvenirs, food items and more, are a key category for the business.

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT

On a Whim Unique Inventory and a Robust Gift Category Encourages Impulse Purchases BY

ANNIE

he impulse section of your store can be one of the most exciting categories to stock. Browsing through social media, walking trade show floors and sourcing customer recommendations are impactful ways to find fun products for your customers and win sales. Placerville Hardware in Placerville, California, has maintained a unique inventory of products for the over 150 years the store has been in operation. Known as the “Oldest Hardware Store West of the Mississippi,”

DAM EWO RTH

the store was founded during the California Gold Rush and many of the products sold in the store today reflect the area’s rich history. Store shelves are layered with a variety of unique items like cast iron pans, candles, western decor, kitchen accessories, toys, fishing poles and oil lanterns. The store also prides itself on its gift and souvenir section, catering to tourists who visit the area. The entire collection of these western-themed and gift items serve as the store’s impulse section, drawing in last-minute purchases as customers browse.

July/August 2026 | HARDWARE RETAILING

Location, Location, Location

Placing impulse items around the store, not just at the checkout counter, is key to catching the eyes of customers and making this category a success. Placerville Hardware has these items scattered throughout the store: on countertops, in endcap displays and on free-standing racks. “Our impulse category is all over our store,” says Melissa Fausel, the store’s co-owner. “We have a lot of countertops throughout the store, and impulse items are on all of them.” She and her staff are always moving their impulse products around, keeping displays fresh and new for customers. “We swap out items fairly often and also move the items around regularly,” Fausel says. Having a discussion with customers while they are checking out or in line to purchase their items has been an effective method for the store to win impulse sales. The fun and intriguing impulse items offered at Placerville can nearly sell themselves, but employees are still an essential part of the equation when it comes to getting these products off the shelves. “We tell our employees to mention impulse items near the register if someone is waiting,” Fausel says.

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60 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

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Winning Locally Showcasing your community and supporting fellow independent businesses in your area through a curated local product section is a great way to differentiate your operation from the crowd while bulking up the impulse section in your store and bringing in last-minute buys. At Ambridge Do it Best Home Center in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, owner David Strano believes in the importance of celebrating local vendors and honors that belief by selling many locally made products in his store. “Locally owned products are key to any family owned business,” Strano says. “Our customers love seeing we are trying to build the community by carrying local products.”

Ambridge’s local items span from pasta sauce, barbecue sauce and coffee to dog treats, granola and pickles. Strano hand selects the local products that make their way into his store, often choosing items while he’s out shopping at other stores. “If it is something that I like, I will end up reaching out to the company to bring it into my store,” he says. Properly showcasing local products and giving them their time in the spotlight is essential to move these products off the shelves and also provides opportunities to highlight a community’s local charm. At Ambridge Do it Best, Strano exhibits his local products, speciﬁcally food products, by offering sampling events.

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“We frequently will do samplings on the weekends for our pasta sauces, pickles and coffee, and occasionally other categories as well,” he says. For ﬁve years, the store has also partnered with Oram’s Donuts, a local donut establishment, to sell freshly-baked donuts on weekend mornings to customers, offering both walk-ins and pre-orders. “Every Saturday, Oram’s delivers the donuts before we open the store,” Strano says. “We sell approximately 400 donuts starting on Saturday morning until they are sold out, which is usually around 10 a.m., give or

take. We started selling them ﬁve years ago and it has been a success since Day 1.” For Strano, shopping local is the key to stocking local. “Going to local farmers markets to see what is popular in your own town and surrounding areas and going to local restaurants that sell their own products are great ways to source locally. Having a vision and keeping your eye out for these products has been the key to our success,” he says. “I tend to make a list of products that I see and want to bring into the store and chip away with bringing them in one at a time.”

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Smart Sourcing

Discovering impulse items from a variety of sources is helpful in keeping the category up to date. Partnering with local vendors, attending trade shows and tracking the latest trends on social media are essential practices when building an impulse category or swapping out products. Fausel and her team rely on multiple avenues to bring in new impulse items, including visiting trade shows and using online wholesale marketplaces for independent retailers. “I used to mostly find new items at trade shows, but I’ve been using Faire, an online wholesale marketplace, more these days,” she says. While the store doesn’t have an extensive selection of locally made or sourced products, Placerville’s “local” items consist of the store’s branded souvenirs, like keychains and clothing items. Offering a selection of store-branded products is a great way to spread the word about your store, increasing visibility and boosting foot traffic. “We have some items from locals, and we do sell souvenirs with the Placerville name printed on them,” Fausel says. As an independent retailer’s biggest asset, customers can provide valuable sourcing information in the form of product suggestions. At Placerville, customer and employee suggestions alike are essential in learning about and adding new impulse items. “We definitely listen to customer suggestions as well as employees’ ideas,” Fausel says. “For instance, I had an employee recently travel to the Midwest and he brought back a seasoning that I started carrying. It’s been a huge hit.”

64 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

FALL MARKET 2026 INDIANAPOLIS, IN | SEPTEMBER 25-28

BETTER FOR YOUR BUSINESS Join retailers, vendors, and industry leaders in Indianapolis for four days of innovation, education, networking, and exclusive buying opportunities designed to help your business grow stronger.

Better Brand Recognition. Better Programs. Better Pricing. Better for Your Business.

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News to You NEWSMAKERS

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Q1 Earnings Reveal Industry Trends A

mong economic headwinds, global conflict and elevated inflation, financial results for the first quarter of 2026 saw ups and downs. A majority of companies reported positive results in the quarter, demonstrating resilience in a volatile environment, and many remain cautious with their guidance for the year. Read on for a financial roundup of the major big-box and independent companies in home improvement retail.

Ace Hardware

Ace Hardware reported revenues of $2.5 billion, an increase of $242.8 million, or 10.9%. Net income for Q1 was $70.1 million, up $39.8 million year over year. Same-store sales were up 4.9% during the first quarter, a result of a 4.2% increase in average ticket and a 0.7% increase in same-store transactions. “Our record first quarter results reflect a simple truth: when we serve our neighbors with excellence and urgency, growth follows,” says CEO John Venhuizen. “Our team delivered a 129% increase in net income through strong growth and disciplined, judicious expense management, proof that being both fierce and frugal is still a winning formula.”

Do it Best and True Value

With a fiscal year that runs from July through June, in the third quarter of its current fiscal year, Do it Best Group reported consolidated gross revenues of $3.6 billion for the first three quarters of the fiscal year, marking a nearly 8% year-over-year increase. “Our third-quarter performance shows what’s possible when strategy, execution and innovation are aligned around dealer success,” says Do it Best Group CEO, Dan Starr. “We’re not standing still. We’re investing, improving and delivering tools and capabilities that help our members and retailers operate smarter, compete harder and win more business.”

HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

Lowe’s

Lowe’s reported $1.6 billion in net earnings, a 0.79% decrease year over year. Comparable store sales for the quarter increased 0.6%, which the company says was driven by strong spring sales and a 15.5% growth in online sales. Total sales for Q1 2026 were $23.1 billion, a 10.53% increase year over year. “Strong spring execution and continued momentum in pro, appliances, online and home services supported a solid start to the year as we delivered our fourth consecutive quarter of positive comp sales,” says Marvin Ellison, chairman, president and CEO. “In spite of a challenging housing macro, we remain focused on advancing our Total Home strategy to provide the best experience for our customers.”

The Home Depot

The Home Depot posted net sales for the quarter of $41.8 billion, a 4.8% increase year over year. Comparable store sales for fiscal Q1 increased 0.6%, and comparable U.S. sales increased 0.4%. Net earnings for fiscal Q1 were $3.3 billion, a 2.94% decrease year over year.

“Our first quarter results were in line with our expectations. The underlying demand in our business was relatively similar to what we saw throughout fiscal 2025, despite greater consumer uncertainty and housing affordability pressure,” says Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO.

Tractor Supply Company

Tractor Supply Company reported net sales of $3.59 billion, a 3.6% increase year over year. Comparable store sales increased 0.5% compared to a decrease of 0.9% in the first quarter of 2025. The company also opened 40 new Tractor Supply stores and closed one Petsense by Tractor Supply store in Q1. “We delivered solid performance across the majority of our business in the first quarter, supported by our needs-based model and ongoing customer engagement,” says Hal Lawton, president and CEO. “Performance was positive across four of our five product categories.” To read the full financial stories, visit hardwareretailing.com/q1-2026.

NETWORK

This index is provided for the convenience of our advertisers and readers. The publisher assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

Barr Brands ...........................................................................................................64 barrbrands.com

Make a Plan CALENDAR

Visit YourNHPA.org/cal to find more industry events online.

Benjamin Moore .................................................................................................. 7 benjaminmoore.com Council Tool Company ................................................................................ 16 counciltool.com Do it Best and True Value .............................................................................65 doitbest.com ECI...............................................................................................................................47, BC ecisolutions.com Epicor Software Corp.........................................................................................45 epicor.com Forney Industries ............................................................................................ 63 forneyind.com Franklin International ..................................................................................33 franklininternational.com Gordons USA..................................................................................................................3 gordonsusa.com Hardlines Distribution Alliance ...................................................52-53 hdaworks.com House-Hasson ........................................................................................................ 9 househasson.com Kness Manufacturing Company........................................................ 68 kness.com Knox Fertilizer ......................................................................................................17 knoxfert.com Leviton Manufacturing .............................................................................. 69 leviton.com

Industry Events AUG Orgill Fall Buying Event Aug 3-16 | VIRTUAL

House-Hasson Hardware August 6-8 | SEVIERVILLE, TN

SUPERZOO August 12-14 | LAS VEGAS, NV

The Garden Center Conference & Expo August 18-20 | NASHVILLE, TN

SEPT Home Hardware Fall Homecoming September 16-18 | TORONTO, CANADA

MAX USA ........................................................................................................................ 60 maxusacorp.com Midwest Fastener ...................................................................................IFC-1, 41 fastenerconnection.com Modern Home Products .................................................................................45 mhponlinestore.com NHPA Media Brands .......................................................................................71 YourNHPA.org/subscribe NHS Concept to Commerce ...................................................................37 concepttocommerce.com Orgill ........................................................................................................ 43, 72-IBC orgill.com Package Express Center............................................................................ 16 packageexpresscenters.com Paladin Data Corp. ............................................................................................11 paladinpos.com Rescue! ..........................................................................................................................5 rescue.com

NCE

FORMA

DE PER

S ’ O R P E H T . E G ED A PRO GR

Sika USA ................................................................................................................... 57 usa.sika.com Smokey Mountain Chew .......................................................................... 67 smkymtn.com Stickers Northwest, Inc. ............................................................................. 18 stickersnorthwest.com Top Notch Distributors ................................................................................13 topnotchinc.com

ULINE........................................................................................................................... 62 uline.com Wallace Distribution ....................................................................................46 wallacedistribution.com Wooster Brush Co. .......................................................................................... 61 woosterbrush.com

68 HARDWARE RETAILING | July/August 2026

Efficient. Reliable. Protected.  Get the edge. Kness.com/Ketch-All

26-1596

Trion Industries, Inc. ...................................................................................... 19 triononline.com

INDUSTRY EVENTS

Learn from Pros LAST WORD

Get professional-grade learning delivered through immersive, in-person experiences at DIYCON 2026. Register at diycon.com.

Learn. Create. Build. DIY CON 2026 Brings Fresh Creativity to the Home Improvement Channel

njecting energy into the home industry and delivering on the promise of a newly imagined show, NHS Concept to Commerce, an evolution of the National Hardware Show (NHS), debuted this spring with three days of sourcing connections, exciting product discovery and networking that led to new connections. This Fall, NHS will debut another evolution, DIY CON, which will combine hands-on workshops, community and creativity to redefine modern DIY experiences and projects. The event will take place in Dallas from Nov. 6-8, 2026. DIY CON will transform the traditional trade show, inviting DIYers of all skill levels to try out premium tools, learn from leading creators, meet and greet with their favorite celebrities, TV personalities and DIY stars and leave with the confidence and skills to bring their next project to life.

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“DIY CON is not the traditional trade show, but an immersive experience where attendees are the ones who roll up their sleeves and do it themselves,” says Hector Morfin-Chong, event director. “This isn’t about scrolling through finished projects online, but about being the person who dreams it, sketches it and builds projects that come to life. Whether you’re learning to lay tile, refining woodshopping skills or looking to build community in the DIY industry, we want every attendee to walk away inspired and ready to create.” DIY CON attendees will enjoy hands-on workshops led by industry experts, spaces for collaboration, mentorship and shared creativity and interactive brand experiences with new products and tools designed to make challenging DIY projects feel fun and within reach.

The event will feature an inspiring lineup of content creators who will lead workshops, speak at main stage sessions and share stories of transformation. This year’s guests and presenters include DIY experts April Wilkerson, Dan Maxey, Ashley Tate Basnight, Sam Raimondi, David Hopkins and Anika Gandhi. DIY CON will also host hands-on activities for every part of the home, including paint and wall treatments, storage and organization, outdoor living and living spaces for kids and adults. “RX knows how to create fan-driven experiences that inspire action,” says Morfin-Chong. “From New York Comic Con to the Star Wars Celebration, our organization has built cultural moments that connect people and brands. DIY CON will bring that same energy to the world of home improvement.”

One Industry. One Authority. THREE MEDIA BRANDS. ONE MISSION. HELPING INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAILERS BE BETTER AND MORE PROFITABLE. For more than 125 years, NHPA has been the trusted resource for independent retailers across North America. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever. With the addition of Hardware Connection to the NHPA media network, independent retailers now have access to the industry’s most respected collection of media brands. Together, these brands provide unmatched coverage, trusted expertise and practical solutions for hardware stores, home centers, lumberyards and paint retailers. When the independent channel needs insight, education, benchmarking, product information or business guidance, it turns to NHPA.

The industry’s leading publication serving independent home improvement retailers.

The industry’s premier digital publication delivering timely news, retailer stories and merchandising insights.

The industry’s leading source dedicated to paint and decorating retailers.

Stay Connected to the Independent Channel Scan the QR code or visit YourNHPA.org to learn more.

Show me my top selling products by quantity.