Efficient Service, Dedicated Operators
COMMITTED TO THE LAST MILE
Our Fleet, Our Drivers
Orgill’s commitment to getting products into your store is paramount. Our modern, private fleet of 400+ trucks are all driven by Orgill employees. Not only do our drivers keep things running smoothly, but our operational model controls our expenses and we pass these savings along to our dealers.
We’ll go the extra mile for you. Contact us today.
Do it Best provides the freedom to grow your business your way. Better yet, you can reinvest your record-breaking rebate to make it happen. Expand your sales floor to attract new customers. Use powerful Do it Best ecommerce tools to create a dynamic online shopping experience. Maximize your market share with a full store reset. Acquire a new location or build one from the ground up.
No matter which growth strategy is right for you, Do it Best stands ready with the resources, support, and guidance of the only total solution in the independent home improvement industry.
The time has never been better to take the next step in your business growth plan. Call us today at 888-DO-IT-BEST (888-364-8237) or visit doitbestonline.com.
Publisher/Principal: Craig Cope craig@thehardwareconnection.com 804-690-0666
Editor/Founder/Principal: Chris Jensen chris@thehardwareconnection.com 317-514-8864
Marketing & Creative Director/Principal: Dan Akers dan@thehardwareconnection.com 317-797-6609
Founder/Principal: Tom Chasteen tom@thehardwareconnection.com 305-852-6126
Dan Beck dbeck@thehardwareconnection.com 518-852-9624
Contributing Writers: Doug Donaldson, Gary Pittsford
WEAR PROTECTION
By Chris Jensen
It’s Time to Take a Bow
One of the many things that makes The Hardware Connection stand out from other industry publications is the fact we feature the Digby’s Hardware cartoon. And I’m not just saying that because my older brother, Scott Jensen, is the cartoonist who created Digby’s and has been drawing it since our first issue came out in 2009.
Scott puts a lot of time and thought into each cartoon, making sure it resonates with our retail readers by putting a hilarious spin on timely topics such as employee hiring, pricing changes, supply chain issues or retail technology. He even created his own website and Facebook page for Digby’s. Turn to page 14 to see the newest Digby’s cartoon.
Scott, a member of the National Cartoonists Society, has been cartooning for more than 45 years, getting his start drawing editorial cartoons for the local newspaper at age 14. He once drew a weekly comic strip for Grit newspaper called “Barner’s Hollow.” For 36 years, Scott has also drawn a line of humorous greeting cards for Oatmeal Studios that are sold by some hardware retailers around the country. I’ve stumbled onto them in hardware stores from Florida and Vermont to
Chicago, as well as on vacation a few weeks ago in Banff, Canada.
Scott, who is professor and program director of the Cazenovia College Visual Communications Program, recently received the Silver Reuben Award for best in greeting cards from the National Cartoonists Society during a black-tie gala in Kansas City. He’d been trying to win that award every year since 2010 and was a finalist last year. One of Scott’s biggest thrills at that event was getting to chat about cartooning with some of his idols like Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury fame. He was shocked to discover these big-time cartoonists were not only familiar with Digby’s but with the hardware industry’s long tradition of cartooning.
We’re proud to be the home of Digby’s Hardware cartoon, hopefully for many years to come. We’re also proud to announce that The Hardware Connection received an honorable mention Eddie Award from FOLIO for Best Single Article, B2B for our December 2021 Special Report on the Supply Chain Crisis. That gives us 16 awards for editorial excellence in the past nine years. We will keep striving to deliver the very best editorial content for the hardware and home improvement industry. n
By Craig Cope
Right to Repair Issue Is Back in the News
Last November in Trend Watch, I wrote about a fight going on between consumers and manufacturers dating back to 2003. The fight is called consumers’ “right to repair” (R2R) the products they purchase –click here to read. Over the past year, there has been significant progress as the state of New York legislature passed a landmark Right to Repair bill that awaits the governor’s signature.
What is right to repair? It boils down to three key areas:
1. We fix our own things or choose which service shop to use,
2. We have access to manuals and diagnostic tools the dealers use,
3. We have the ability to unlock and jailbreak the software on our devices.
How do manufacturers limit consumers’ right to repair? By limiting access to replacement parts, repair manuals and/or requiring specific tools necessary for repair. Here’s one example: Apple created a new screw in the iPhone to limit access by consumers and unofficial repair shops. Also, product warranties are voided if consumers use independent dealers for parts or repairs.
apple created a new screw in the iphone to limit access by consumers and unofficial repair shops.
So why should independent hardware retailers care? Quite simply, the foundation of this industry is built to service those who build and/or fix items. Limiting access to replacement parts restricts competition in the marketplace in which hardware retailers compete. This type of activity impacts numerous departments in the channel: appliances, lawn and garden equipment, outdoor living products, repair parts, service centers, etc.
If I’m a retailer those sound like valid reasons to be concerned, but what are the reasons manufacturers provide for their need to restrict repairs? They give four reasons:
1. Protection of intellectual property—Providing the information, tools and parts could lead to technology piracy or reverse engineering of products.
Recent Features From TheHardwareConnection
September/October 2022: Shining the Spotlight on the Best New Stores—See the Beacon Award winners for 2022. Vassar Building Center, owned by Mike and Brenda MacKay in Michigan, served as the prototype store for Do it Best’s new store design program. Phil and Deanna Cheeves designed a new store, Hometown Hardware in Senoia, Ga., that attracts a diverse customer base.
July/August 2022: Tough Conditions Require Tough Retailers in America’s Last Frontier—Learn how Doug Moore, second-generation owner of Moores’ Hardware & Building Supply in the remote location of Talkeetna, Alaska, has been overcoming tough conditions, harsh weather and supply chain challenges since the business opened in 1981. With 70% of sales coming in the five-month busy season, Moore has learned innovative ways to adapt.
May/June 2022: Special Report on Retail Consolidation: Are You a Buyer or a Seller? — As merger and acquisition activity has been exploding across the industry, independent hardware retailers are increasingly forced to evaluate--am I a buyer or a seller? Read this in-depth special report to learn who the players are, look at recent deals, gain insights into how Central Network Retail Group approaches the acquisition process from John Sieggreen and pick up tips from Gary Pittsford on buying and selling a business.
April 2022: Unlocking the Secret Formula for Growth—Discover how Shanna West has combined her social media savvy with energy and enthusiasm to reach new heights of growth with the family business, H & H Home and Hardware in Marion, Ky.
March 2022: Blackhawk Hardware’s Bold Solution to the Hiring Crisis—Andy Wilkerson, CEO of Blackhawk Hardware in Charlotte, N.C., shares a detailed, in-depth look at how his business adopted a bold solution to finding, hiring and retaining employees—he dramatically changed his pay scale and expectations for performance, which has had a profound impact on the store.
February 2022: Special Section: Orgill Celebrates 175 Years of Innovation and Service—Orgill, the industry’s oldest wholesaler, is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Learn more about the company’s long history of innovation, read a timeline of key dates in company history and gain insights into future initiatives through Q&A interviews with CEO Boyden Moore and Executive VP Marc Hamer.
trend watch
2. Consumer safety and liability claims—Repairs by unqualified technicians could accidentally disable important safety features or do environmental harm. For example, disabling a car’s airbag system, leaking gas or other toxins into the environment or exposing sensitive personal information stored on electronics.
3. Consumer demand—Customers want their electronics to be small and lightweight. Meeting this expectation requires using adhesives or solder to affix critical components.
4. “Unofficial” reason—Restricting access to only the manufacturer or authorized repair shops is a significant profit center for companies.
The Federal government also took a position when President Biden signed an executive order on July 21, 2021, requesting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) take the issue more seriously. The FTC has recently responded and filed complaint charges against grill manufacturer Weber-Stephen Products, LLC – click here to view.
“The FTC’s complaint charges that Weber’s warranty included terms that conveyed that the warranty is void if customers use or install thirdparty parts on their grill products.
Weber is being ordered to fix its warranty by removing illegal terms and recognizing the right to repair and come clean with customers about their ability to use third-party parts.”
The FTC also took similar action against Harley-Davidson and Westinghouse. “This is the FTC’s third right-to-repair lawsuit in as many weeks,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Companies that use their warranties to illegally restrict consumers’ right to repair should fix them now.”
what’s next?
John Deere is the poster child against the right to repair. Modernday farming equipment is highly complex, with Deere employing more software engineers than mechanical engineers. John Deere views their software as proprietary and blocks access to this critical component needed for even common repairs.
A political and legal fight is brewing between the FTC and John Deere. The outcome will impact all consumers for generations to come. Some argue it’s comparable to the creation of the FTC when President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law on September 26, 1915.
Stay tuned, as this remains a topic to keep an eye on. n
HARDWARE STORIES butAmazing TRUE
Ibought my store in 1988, and my oldest daughter was eight at the time and spent weekends and the sum- mer working in the store. She was a sponge as far as learning new things— plumbing, electrical and UPS pack and shipping. Around that time, James Burrows, the creator of “Cheers,” “Friends,” “Frasier,” “Taxi,” “Will & Grace” and more, bought a horse farm nearby and became a regular customer. He was in the store often to overnight documents and had a lot of interactions with my daughter. One day when she was involved with another customer, I
asked him if I could help and he replied, “I’ll wait for my favorite salesperson. I have something I’d like her to pack up and ship back to L.A.”
The “something” turned out to be the Recording Industry Platinum Music Award for the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album, signed by John, Paul, George and Ringo. My daughter care- fully packed it up, commenting that the Beverly Hills zip code really is 90210!
Larry Perry
Retired owner, Woodstock Hardware
Woodstock, VT
Aman came in wanting a varnish. Wanting to be as helpful as possible, I asked the usual questions. Turns out he wanted to varnish the cedar casket he was building for himself. Hopefully I concealed my initial shock. As it turns out, he completed the job and a few years later when he passed, he was buried in the casket he built himself. If anyone is interested, he used the Minwax polyurethane.
Steve Haupt Rains True Value Hardware
Emory, Texas
Originally posted on Hardlines Digest
Originally posted on Hardlines Digest
Alady called wanting 50 gallons of epoxy. I told her it all depends on what you are doing with it, if it is a shallow pour or a deep pour. Turns out her husband is terminal with about a year to live and he wants to be buried cast in epoxy in his coffin. I pity the pallbearers. Anyone have a lead on mortuary-grade epoxy?
Steve Beeson Beemuns Variety & True Value
Soldotna, Alaska
Originally posted on Hardlines Digest
Is Ecommerce Giving You Heartburn?
While the last three years have brought unprecedented uncertainty, the home and building supply industry has seen an explosion in ecommerce channels during the pandemic. When it comes to growing your online salesto on online sales strategy, we know creating an ecommerce website can feel overwhelming but there are tools that can make it easier.
How important has ecommerce become for businesses like yours? The numbers don’t lie. Statista anticipates that by 2024, U.S. mobile shoppers will exceed 187 million. By the end of 2022, ecommerce will also account for 20.4% of global retail sales, up from 10% just five years ago. Leading businesses rely on ecommerce to engage customers, track trends, and make more informed business decisions.
As
these trends grow, is your business prepared to meet customer expectations?
Our 2022 State of the Lumber Building Materials, and Hardlines (LBMH) Industry survey found professionals in your field valuing the following services in an ecommerce solution:
With a new online sales channel, you can free up your overworked staff members, increase profits, and retain valuable customers. Just like you, your customers seek convenience. Having an ecommerce platform that meets your customers’ expectations around convenience will ensure they stay loyal. By investing in online sales, customer-facing employees will have time back to be more efficient, creating a more balanced, effective workforce.
To make adapting an ecommerce solution for your business easier, our eCommonSense solution is an easy-to-use platform created by those in the building industry who understand your challenges. Like what you’ve read so far, check out our full industry survey report for more trend analysis to help your business.
Like what you’ve read so far, check out our full industry report
HARDWARE PRODUCTS REVIEW ShopTalk
By Craig Cope
SHOCKFORCE™ G2 TAPE MEASURE CRESCENT LUFKIN
The Lufkin brand name dates back to 1869 when E.T. Lufkin Board and Log Rule Manufacturing Company started in Cleveland, Ohio, to serve the logging industry. Lufkin is known for innovation, introducing the first steel tape measure produced in the USA in 1890 and later the folding wooden rule. The folding rule was the primary measuring tool until the 1940s with the introduction of the retractable tape measure. The company is now known as Crescent Lufkin, which is part of the Apex Tool Group, one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in the world.
CLICK HERE AND HERE TO VIEW BRIEF VIDEOS OF ALL THE SHOCKFORCE™ G2’S ENHANCEMENTS.
We received a shipment of the Shockforce™ G2, the second generation of the Shockforce tape measure, rated for 120’ drops. A quick visual inspection of the G2 indicates this tape was made for the harsh
environment of the job site. The G2 features a thicker casing, reinforced fastening points, nested endhook, a thru-hole for tethering and an improved belt clip for attachment.
The robust construction continues inside with a wider, thicker blade featuring a Mylar coating on the first 6� to
prevent blade tears from twisting and turning. Due to the enhanced blade, the G2 achieves an industry-leading 17’ of reach. The tape’s endhook is diamond coated with 360° grasping power and firmly secured with multiple anchors. There are three versions of the G2: standard, auto-lock and magnetic endhook, ranging in size from 16’ and 25’ to 35’.
We provided G2s to professional tradesmen ranging from carpenters to general handymen. All our testers commented on the premium feel of the enhanced case and overall ruggedness. One tester stated, “You immediately knew this tape was built by pros for pros. Like the folding wooden rule, the Shockforce G2 is designed for years of use in some of the most challenging work environments.
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HARDWARE PRODUCTS REVIEW
PRODUCT #2: E-BLOX
E-BLOX INC.
In 2018, the toy industry was turned upside down when retail giant Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy and ultimately closed all its 800+ stores in the United States. For many kids, visiting Toys R Us during the holiday season and creating their wish list was almost as much fun as unwrapping the presents. Their departure from the market created opportunities for other retail segments to add toys to their merchandising mix, even if only for the holiday season. The question is, where to start?
During Do it Best’s Fall 2022 Market, I might have found the perfect toy for
hardware retailers to stock—E-Blox.
E-Blox are like LEGO® bricks with snap-together blocks but add electric circuit design. With the addition of electricity, children’s creations now become alive—a robot with flashing red eyes, a spinning multi-speed airplane propeller or most anything kids can imagine. Since E-Blox sets are modular, children can constantly add to their creations. Click here to watch an adult review, or click here to watch from a child’s perspective.
E-Blox are STEM.org Authenticated™, which confirms the products align with the STEM principles—Science, Technology and/or Math standards. The THE MOST EFFICIENT HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER ON THE MARKET JUST GOT SMARTER. Our Smart Heat Pump will save your customers up to $521 annually on energy bills.* Plus with leak detection, optional automatic water shut-off, and easy-to-use electronic display, peace of mind is built-in too. RelianceWaterHeaters.com.
ShopTalk
HARDWARE PRODUCTS REVIEW
acronym STEM was started in the early 1990s by educators and has worldwide adoption supporting the development of student skills for the 21st Century. As a father of a 10-year-old, I have played numerous STEM Authenticated games, and it’s amazing what children are learning, all while playing.
Since E-Blox building block sets are designed for children between the ages of 5 and 14, I needed to expand my traditional testing group to include my son and a few of his friends. The kids immediately began snapping the familiar modular pieces together to
create their airplane propeller launcher. Once the launcher was built, the fun continued with games to see who could launch it farther and other variations. The kids started to discuss how to combine their blocks and make the “super launcher.”
If your store currently carries toys or is considering adding them to the merchandising mix, I can think of no better toy to start with than E-Blox. What other products do you stock in your store that contribute to the store’s revenue while creating a new generation of hardware store customers? ■
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Our 60K+ Readers Aren’t the Only Ones Who Have Noticed Our Exceptional Editorial
16 Awards in the Past 9 Years
Award-Winning Editorial That Connects with Retailers!
The Hardware Connection has won 16 awards for editorial excellence in the past nine years including the following:
• 2022 FOLIO Eddie Award (Honorable Mention) for Best Single Article
• 2022 Bronze Regional Azbee Award for Web Feature Article from the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
• 2021 FOLIO Eddie Awards (Honorable Mention) for Best Profile and Best Single Article.
• 2020 FOLIO Special Recognition Award for Overall Editorial Excellence.
• 2020 FOLIO Eddie Award for Best Single Article.
• 2020 FOLIO Eddie Award for Best Series of Articles.
• 2020 FOLIO Special Recognition Award for Editor of the Year.
• 2020 Regional Bronze Award for Best Individual Profile from the American Society of Business Publication Editors.
• 2017 Eddies Digital Award from FOLIO for Best Standalone Digital Magazine in the B2B category.
By Doug Donaldson
Fourth Generation Helps Position Century Club Retailer for NEXT 100 YEARS
Sisters Megan Stiers, Rachel Korman and Chelsea Rohlfing are fourth-generation family members guiding Century Club retailer Hermann Lumber to a new century of success.
With a new, expanded store, Hermann Lumber celebrated its 100-year anniversary this autumn as a new generation moves into management of this fourth-generation family hardware business.
The family business has been in good hands for four generations. From l to r: Danny Baumstark, Megan Stiers, Charles Baumstark (holding a picture of his father and company founder Albert Baumstark), Rachel Korman, Denis Baumstark and Chelsea Rohlfing.
Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Hermann, Mo., is about 85 miles west of St. Louis. Settled by German immigrants in the early 1800s, Hermann is home to several festivals and the area is also a wine region with several wineries nearby. The historic, close-knit community has about 2,400 residents and serves as fertile ground for Hermann Lumber, a fourth-generation, family-owned hardware business.
Upper Left: Hermann Lumber’s staff gathered for the company’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Upper Right: President Danny Baumstark (second from right) is reassured that the company’s future is in the capable hands of his three daughters (from left): Rachel Korman, Chelsea Rohlfing and Megan Stiers.
Left: The family held a ribboncutting ceremony during the anniversary weekend to recognize 100 years of success and to look forward to a promising future.
Because of careful long-term development and a thoughtful succession plan, Hermann Lumber joined The Hardware Connection Century Club this year, marking its 100-year anniversary with a weekend-long celebration.
During the two-day event September 23 and 24, Hermann Lumber hosted an extravaganza showing off its larger, recently renovated store along with offering prizes, discounts, food,
Dealer Profile
games, live entertainment and vendor demonstrations.
“We were overwhelmed by the turnout,” said third-generation owner and President Dan Baumstark. “We greatly appreciate everyone who came out to show their support for Hermann Lumber and celebrate with us. Our family looks forward to many more years of serving this great community.”
This celebration could not have occurred without the years of meticulous planning and preparation that have become hallmarks of the business.
“Hermann Lumber is the pinnacle of what an independent hardware store should be,” says Brandon Eckardt, who has been the store’s Do it Best territory manager since 2014. “They’re amazing people and Do it Best is proud to support a business like theirs. They
Left: The store was given a refreshed look for the 100th anniversary celebration with a nod to the past.
Right: To meet ever-growing demand, the remodeled store features more product options, refreshed signage, brighter lighting and a more efficient layout.
are the backbone to the American business economy.”
The Baumstark family history of hardware retailing actually dates back more than a century. Albert Baumstark, just out of eighth grade, took on a part-time job as an office clerk at Klenk Lumber. When the owner passed away and the business was bought out by another lumber retailer, Albert was hired as manager at age 19. Two years later, in 1922, the business was renamed Hermann Lumber and over the next few decades, Albert gradually bought into the company until the family had full ownership in the 1970s.
Charles’ son, Danny, began buying into ownership in 1972 at the age of 18.
In 2002, Megan Stiers, Danny’s oldest daughter, began her career at the store after earning a business degree. During the next decade, Danny’s other daughters, Rachel Korman and Chelsea Rohlfing, also joined the family business.
In addition to Hermann Lumber, the company includes New Haven Lumber, about 15 miles to the southeast, and a concrete plant.
“I’ve always been proud of the family business,” says Stiers, the company’s vice president. “I knew while heading to college that I’d come back to the family business. We were
Danny Baumstark worked closely with his three daughters—Megan, Rachel and Chelsea—to plan a recent expansion and remodel as well as a 100th anniversary celebration.
excited to celebrates 100 years as a family business and continue to serve our community in the future.”
all Things To all CusTomers
In response to customer demand, the store recently expanded by about 20 percent and the inside sales floor is now 15,500 square feet. With full lines of building materials, electrical, hardware, lawn and garden, plumbing and paint, the recent renovation and
Dealer Profile
expansion will allow for more products, upgraded lighting and a redesigned, customer-friendly layout.
“Their retail shopping experience is incredible,” Eckardt says. “The wide aisles, bright lights and clean floors along with friendly staff check every box for retail experience.”
Hermann Lumber’s customer base is evenly split between professional contractors and homeowners, and at the New Haven location, the mix skews a little more toward contractors.
Herman Lumber’s distributor since 1971, Do it Best, has helped the company create strong paint, plumbing and electrical departments, according to Baumstark. “Do it Best has been a great asset,” Baumstark says. “I don’t know where we’d be today if it
recognized the family for 100 years of family ownership during the Fall Market, joined by all three Do it Best territory managers they have had since joining the co-op in 1971: Jim Mills, Tom Morgan and Brandon Eckardt.
weren’t for Do it Best. They’ve been very supportive throughout our history and together we have survived and thrived.”
Baumstark credits Do it Best with having an outstanding set of regional managers and values their experience, especially their merchandising expertise and general advice for running a business. But one of the biggest Do it Best advantages Baumstark cites is their massive online catalog of products.
“We look to be all things to all people,” Baumstark says. “Because
Do it Best President Dan Starr (left)
we’re affiliated with Do it Best, we have access to just about any item a customer could want. We can look in the Do it Best inventory and figure out what is best for our customers, even when they are looking for a hard-tofind item.”
Wearing many haTs
One of the challenging aspects of managing a family hardware business is having to multitask, according to Stiers. Coordinating with her sisters, the family divvies responsibilities so that each knows their roles and responsibilities. Also, before any major decisions, the family does research and shares insights with each other.
An example of how the family coordinates duties and methodically plans
Rachel Korman has overseen the merchandising part of the store’s expansion and remodel, keeping the needs of customers top of mind.
business development is the recent expansion, which was six years in the planning. For example, one sister, Korman, was in charge of merchandising. Another sister, Rohlfing, handles the accounts payable and receivables department. Stiers took on the role of overall project coordinator for the remodel, working with her dad to coordinate construction.
“Because we’re all here under one roof, we get together and talk as needed,” Stiers says. “We discuss any decisions on merchandising or review planograms whenever needed. That’s really the good thing about being small and flexible.”
inDusTry-leaDing examPle
Representatives from Hermann Lumber are frequent participants in home improvement retailer roundtable groups, sharing ideas and contributing their experience, according to Eckardt.
“What’s impressive about how they do business is that they’re very
Dealer Profile
methodical in their planning process, but they’re always open to new ideas and new products,” Eckardt says. “They’re always looking to learn more about how to better their business.”
One example: The store recently increased the selection of outdoor living and pool chemicals as a response to customer demand and examining trends in their local market.
In addition to always being on the lookout for new products and assortments, the family keeps up to date with technology that may help improve operations. While carefully examining technology options, the store’s owners have often been at the forefront of technological advances. In 1986, the store installed its first computer and was among the first stores to implement a Triad point-of-sale system.
“Now, we’re not on the cusp of everything that’s new,” Stiers explains. “But we keep our eyes open and keep a lookout for software that could be a better fit.”
She points out that Do it Best shares insights into new technology in addition to having connections to website designers and other retail tools that a small business wouldn’t have costeffective access to otherwise such as the Best Rewards loyalty program.
“With Do it Best helping us stay current on technology, we don’t have to spend time searching for new things on our own,” Stiers says. “We wear multiple hats already and it’s good to know Do it Best can help with technology.”
To boost interest in the Best Rewards program, the store is creating a contest for cashiers as an incentive to sign up customers for the loyalty program.
ToDay’s Challenges
Employees from Baumstark’s generation are retiring, with some managers serving the company for more than 50 years. That includes Baumstark, who is phasing into retirement, tapering off the hours he clocks in at the store but still available to help as needed.
Between the company’s two locations, they have about 27 to 30 employees. Stiers cites finding good
Old photos illustrate Hermann Lumber’s century of service to the community.
employees as one of the greatest challenges the business faces today. The company avoids high turnover by making deliberate decisions about new hires, according to Stiers. To attract new hires, the company provides a generous benefits package.
“From grandpa on down, we sought to find good people, looking at each employee as an extension of our own family, not a number, and we care for them just the same,” Stiers says. “We like to hire people who share our ideas of customer service, who understand their jobs and roles and want to work for us.”
Hermann Lumber’s thoughtful and steady approach to everyday business is echoed in its long-range business strategies and succession planning.
The store recently expanded by about 20 percent, beefing up assortments of core categories and adding new lines.
With the remodel, expansion and 100-year anniversary celebration, the siblings have relied on his extra hands and advice. He plans to continue stepping back, gradually, and let the next generation assume the mantle of increased responsibility. “It’s happened slowly, over time, instead of just one day shifting over,” Stiers says.
With 100 years in the books, do the current owners feel pressure to keep the family tradition going?
“No pressure,” Megan says. “I’ve never looked at our business as pressure but as an opportunity to be in this family business and see it grow into the future. I’ve never felt pressure to be here, and it’s a choice that we made because of opportunity for the future.”
“We’ve been talking about the transition to myself and my sisters for years,” Stiers says. “Our roles and responsibilities have evolved over time, and dad has filled in to ease the process on a daily basis. He’s willing to stay on and help to make the transition smooth over time.”
As Hermann Lumber embarks on its second century of operation, it is reassuring to see that the fifth generation of the family—some already in high school—have started clocking in. n
Are You Properly Planning for Longevity?
5
tiPs to helP
ensuRe you Don’t outlive youR assets
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people aged 90 and older has nearly tripled since 1980. Today, there are 1.9 million Americans over age 90, and that number is expected to increase to more than 7.6 million in the next 40 years.1 About one in every four 65-yearolds can expect to live past age 90, and one in 10 will live past age 95. Sadly, 14.5% of those 90 and older live in poverty, compared to only 9.6% of 65- to 89-year-olds.2
What does this mean? From a financial planning perspective, it highlights the importance of planning for longevity. Here are steps you can take today to avoid running out of money in the future.
#1 – RefRame RetiRement.
For many older generations, “retirement” meant giving up work completely. With today’s longer life expectancies, however, an individual who retires at age 65 may live for 20 to 30—or even 40— years in retirement. That’s nearly as long as some people’s careers!
One of the best ways to ensure you don’t run out of assets in retirement is
By Andrew Ferrette, CFP®, MSBA
to continue working (in some capacity). This doesn’t mean extending your career another 10 years, but it may mean transitioning to a consultant, reducing the amount of days or hours in the store/ office or finding a part-time job. While the financial benefits of continuing to work are obvious, there are several other advantages to working in retirement, such as:
• Continued social/community connections
• The potential for better or more affordable health insurance
• Improved cognitive function
• A sense of community and purpose
• Overall health improvements
If you decide to continue working in your professional field or in a new environment, find a job doing something you love. Retirement can be a great opportunity to pursue the path not taken in your normal career, so take time to explore your options and pursue your interests.
#2 – Position you R P o R tfolio fo R g R owth.
One common misconception among many soon-to-be retirees is that they should transfer all their riskier, growthfocused assets into conservative investments, such as CDs and bonds, as they near retirement. However, if you retire and move all your investments into short-term vehicles, you’re going to miss out on a lot of growth while also losing a significant amount of purchasing power to inflation over the next couple of decades. Look to allocate your portfolio
in line with your retirement lifestyle and future goals, even those goals that are 20-plus years in the future. There’s risk in transitioning too much of your portfolio into conservative investments to support your short-term needs; this is longevity risk—the risk outliving your money.
At Creative Planning, we typically recommend maintaining three to five years of living expenses in a shorter-term, liquid investment account. This is generally a mix of bond funds that can provide capital for opportunistic rebalancing, capital for larger spending needs and a monthly income. Having a short-term allocation to bonds can prevent you from having to sell out of equities at a loss when markets are low.
Any assets not required to fund your short-term needs should be invested in a diversified portfolio with a focus on growth and inflation protection. While this portfolio should be in line with your overall risk tolerance and investment objectives, it should be invested in riskier assets than your short-term account. Throughout retirement, your wealth manager will help you identify opportune times to transfer assets from your long-term investments to your short-term savings in a tax-efficient manner.
#3 – Plan foR healthcaRe exPenses.
Healthcare is one of the biggest expenses most people face in retirement. In fact, a 65-year-old couple that retired in 2021 can expect to spend approximately $300,000 on healthcare and medical
expenses throughout retirement.3 That’s why it’s important to plan for healthcare expenses before you retire.
One of the most tax-efficient ways to save for healthcare expenses in retirement is by contributing to a health savings account (HSA). HSAs offer three distinct tax advantages:
• Because contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, they reduce your taxable income today.
• HSA funds can be invested and grow tax-free in the account.
• When used to pay for eligible medical expenses, HSA withdrawals are tax-free.
In addition, HSA contributions made via payroll deduction aren’t subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, and, unlike with 401(k) plans, there are no required minimum distributions from the account. Also, because HSAs allow for investments in mutual funds (once certain asset levels are achieved), assets invested have the potential to grow over time and enhance your overall retirement savings.
As you near retirement, you may also want to consider purchasing a Medicare supplement plan to help pay for retirement healthcare expenses not covered by Medicare. There are many options for supplemental plans, and it’s important to make sure you have a clear understanding of your coverage, deductibles and out-ofpocket costs in order to choose a plan that meets your specific needs. Your wealth manager can help you evaluate your options to select a plan that’s right for you.
#4 – establish a tax-efficient DRaw-Down stRategy.
The manner in which you draw from your various retirement accounts can have a big impact on how long your assets last in retirement. If your assets are spread across multiple account types, you may have the ability to optimize your retirement income by establishing a taxefficient withdrawal strategy. Consider the tax status of the following account types as you develop that strategy.
• Taxable (non-retirement) accounts – These accounts offer the benefit of lower dividend and capital gains tax rates as needed.
• Tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as IRAs and 401(k)s – While allowing for tax-deferred growth, these accounts force ordinary income tax consequences whenever funds are withdrawn and will be subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs) beginning the year you turn 72.
• Tax-exempt accounts, such as Roth IRAs – These accounts allow after-tax retirement savings to grow for as long as possible, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. In addition to the taxability of your investment accounts, your tax bracket, Social Security income and retirement goals are important considerations when establishing a retirement withdrawal strategy. Your wealth manager can help you to develop a custom drawdown strategy that meets your specific needs in a tax-efficient manner.
#5
– have a Plan in Place.
The biggest key to successfully planning for longevity is to have a plan in place. Your comprehensive financial plan serves as a map toward accomplishing your goals and can help ensure you don’t outlive your assets in retirement. Your goals in retirement should serve as the driving force behind your overall investment, withdrawal and taxplanning strategies. A comprehensive financial plan incorporates all aspects of your financial life, including investment management, estate planning, tax planning, insurance planning, retirement income planning and more.
Are you worried about outliving your assets in retirement? Creative Planning can help you plan for the future by integrating all aspects of your personal financial life into a single, comprehensive plan designed to help you achieve your specific retirement goals. If you’d like help planning for an early retirement, or with any other financial matter, please schedule a call. n
This commentary is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice, and does not constitute an attorney/client relationship. Past performance of any market results is no assurance of future performance. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
Andrew Ferrette is a certified financial planner at Creative Planning. Article reproduced with permission from Creative Planning, LLC.
By Warren Swindlehurst
Sustainability is Good for the Planet, Good for business another viewPoint
The pandemic reshaped global supply chains and inflicted shortages in most industries. An overdependence on foreign goods coupled with persistent supply disruptions have had a crushing impact on business owners. According to a report from McKinsey & Company “The Covid-19 crisis could top $5 trillion in economic losses worldwide if supply chains spanning the globe fail to adapt and reduce exposure to threats to business survival.” Supply chain disruptions are likely here to stay, and now is the time for business owners to implement solutions to their supply chain issues.
Flexon has navigated challenges posed by the pandemic by leaning into sustainability, our already strong customer service initiatives and domestic manufacturing. Focusing on these three areas has allowed us to adapt to supply chain issues while consistently delivering the quality products our customers—and consumers—want and need.
Here are three reasons why sustainability should be a business focus for companies that produce goods in the hardware sector.
1. SuStainability aS a buSineSS Practice
There’s an expression, “Doing good means doing well.” When you strive to do good (in this case for the environment),
it presents business opportunities. Incorporating sustainability into a corporate culture not only helps reduce its environmental impact but appeals to customers’ growing interest in supporting sustainable companies. As with other cause-related activities, it is also proven to bolster employee morale and loyalty.
A Forbes article states that “[Consumers are] turning instead to their more planetfriendly competition—those that design recyclable products, manufacture with ethically sourced or repurposed materials, and deliver products with minimal carbon emissions or waste.” This illustrates to us that customers are more likely to support companies that align with their environmental values. In addition, placing sustainability at the forefront of business efforts can help companies build valuable business partnerships and improve their reputations. One smart investment manufacturers should consider is in technology that allows for thorough tracking of the total carbon footprint of products in an effort to derive reasonable solutions to reduce them. Gradually reducing waste and integrating ways to reuse products and materials will help them cut costs, build a loyal consumer base and produce products with minimal carbon emissions.
2. a booSt to emPloyee loyalty
Data continues to show that employees, customers and consumers alike care about organizational efforts that contribute
to social good. A recent article states, “Increasingly, members of the emerging workforce are interested in working for companies rooted in strong values and eager to help society.” We agree and have found that our focus on sustainability has helped us attract and retain a quality workforce.
Flexon reuses more than 50 percent of materials that would have otherwise gone to waste and has adopted an ambitious goal of using more recycled materials by 2025. We are helping the environment, addressing the supply chain crisis and strengthening the company’s employee recruitment and retention efforts—a win-win-win.
In addition to striving for a responsible corporate culture as it pertains to environmental concerns, Flexon does all it can to treat its employees well. Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to provide quality service to clients; so, coupling sustainability with smart human resource practices keeps employees and customers happy.
3. DomeStic manufacturinG ProviDeS more control
Global delays and shipping backlogs have been a major factor in supply chain disruptions. These obstacles have reinforced the many benefits of manufacturing in the United States. Domestic production helps us better control product quality and can reduce costs associated with supply chain complexities/ disruptions. Controlling production helps
companies anticipate potential delays or issues, instead of becoming blindsided by last-minute delays.
Earlier this year, Flexon completed the expansion of its Anderson County, S.C., facility, adding 200,000 square feet and 120 new jobs. Additionally, with a continued strong commitment to sustainability, we will recycle more than six-million pounds of reusable materials annually. This equates to over 400 truckloads of material that would have otherwise gone to the landfill.
Manufacturing products domestically also helps us meet or exceed our on-time/ on-demand customer order policy. We avoid overdependence on offshore production, which provides an opportunity to support our customers who have struggled to keep product on their shelves.
Our efforts to drive sustainable practices wherever possible, treat employees and consumers well, and produce products domestically have greatly helped us to not only maintain but grow the business during challenging times. This is in part due to control we have over product quality and on-time deliveries. In this environment, challenges can become great opportunities for manufacturers to differentiate themselves, redefine their culture and build a strong and loyal workforce. A focus on sustainability can quell crises and mitigate obstacles in the future. n
Warren Swindlehurst is president of US Wire & Cable Corporation, which consists of three divisions in the garden hose, power cord and industrial lighting sectors: Flexon Industries, U.S. Wire & Cable and Voltec Power & Lighting. His email is wswindlehurst@flexonhose.com.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
STEEL WATERING CAN
• Built with the highest-quality, hotdipped steel, this 2-gallon watering can is durable and made to last.
• Features an offset bottom to keep the can off the ground and two durable handles for easy portability and pouring.
• This can is ideal for smaller watering needs and sealed to be watertight.
• A stronger alternative to plastic, this watering can is rodent proof, recyclable and weather resistant.
BUSCH BEER SOAP
• Duke Cannon added a hint of Busch Beer to this sandalwood soap so you can smell as clear and bright as mountain air.
• At 10 oz., it’s two to three times the size of common, dainty soaps.
• The company really put Busch Beer in the soap. The antioxidants in beer help clean the skin.
• Doesn’t smell like beer, though. It offers a warm, sandalwood scent that is distinctively rugged, yet refined.
Duke Cannon www.dukecannon.com 855-354-4438
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
FEATHERLITE ® ULTRA FLEXIBLE HOSE
• FeatherLite® hoses are manufactured with the most innovative kink prevention and water flow technologies. Designed to stay flexible in both hot and cold temperatures.
• Ergonomic grippers on both ends of the hose allow users to easily tighten the faucet or nozzle. Furthermore, the male swivel coupling will prevent the hose from kinking. Simply hold the male end with the gripper attached and watch the hose unravel itself.
• 5/8” inside diameter, 50’ length.
• Ease of Use Certified by the Arthritis Foundation.
Flexon Industries www.FlexonHose.com 973-824-5530
SPEEDGRIP™ PLIERS
• Created with pros and DIYers in mind, these pliers are designed for superior quality, greater ease of use and are 100% Made in the USA.
• Available in 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch sizes.
• Made from 100% forged highcarbon U.S. steel for ultimate strength and is specially coated for rust prevention.
• SpeedGrip™ pliers feature a fast and easy push-button adjustment that locks securely into undercut channels; strong, laser heat-treated crosshatch teeth; a solid alloy steel fastener; a SAFE-T-STOP®
feature that prevents finger pinch; a reaming feature for easily deburring pipe; and CHANNELLOCK
BLUE® molded non-slip comfort grips, designed for ultimate comfort to ease hand fatigue.
Channellock www.channellock.com 800-724-3018
GENERATORS
• Make sure you consider what equipment you need to power before you determine what size generator is right for you.
• Residential generators are available in both 2000 and 3000 watts and can power a multitude of personal equipment and small tools.
• Inverter generator technology makes it possible to power sensitive electronic equipment that is as reliable as the power you get at home.
• Substantially quieter than conventional generators, inverter
from Mi-T-M are the perfect solution for generating power no matter where you are.
FRUIT FLY TRAPS
• This trap uses a food-based lure and color proven attractive to fruit flies. Simply add the liquid attractant to the trap and it starts catching fruit flies within minutes.
• Each trap comes with a 30-day supply of attractant and is reusable with RESCUE! Fruit Fly Trap Attractant Refills.
• With more holes and a higher concentration of attractant, the exclusive design is proven to catch adult fruit flies better than competitive traps.
• Features no-tip design, is safe around food and non-toxic.
ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING TRENDS
Sales of Selected Light Fixtures (Independent Hardware Channel)
12 Months % Change vs. Year Ago
Source: Epicor’s Industry Data Analytics
Unit Sales Breakdown for Selected Light Fixtures
Total of 2,665 Items with Sales
Epicor’s Industry Data Analytics tracking information is based on sales from a representative sample of hardlines retailers located throughout the U.S. For more information, call 512-278-5800 or email
Source: Epicor’s Industry Data Analytics epicorindustryanalytics@epicor.com
ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING MERCHANDISING
Upper Left: Ace Hardware Marketplace in Bowling Green, Ky.
Middle Left: Complete Home Center in Hernando, Miss.
Lower Left: Loomis Ace Hardware in Loomis, Calif.
Upper Right: B&B Lumber in Newton, Kan.
Lower Middle: K&B True Value in Annapolis, Md.
Lower Right: Hartville Hardware in Hartville, Ohio
AN INSIDE LOOK
The Hardware Connection provides a pictorial look at retailer displays of toys. Send pictures of your store to chris@thehardwareconnection.com.
Ace Hardware and Home Center, Maldives.
Gemmen’s Ace Hardware, Hudsonville, Mich.
Hartville Hardware, Hartville, Ohio
Kovarik True Value Hardware, Binghamton, N.Y.
Small
Town Supply, Gouverneur, N.Y.
Moore’s Hardware & Power Equipment, Dadeville, Ala.
Redd’s Ace Hardware, Blanding, Utah
Swift True Value Hardware, Marengo, Iowa
Rainey’s Feed and Hardware, White City, Ore.
Loomis Ace Hardware, Loomis, Calif.
The Country Store and Farm, Vashon Island, Wash.
Reeves Hardware, Clayton, N.C.
Lewter Hardware, Huntsville, Ala.
IN THE NEWS
NEW STORES:
• Melissa Wade opened her second store, Crofton Ace Hardware in Crofton, Md.
• Andy Kerman opened All Star 2 Ace Hardware in Magnolia, Texas.
• Norm and John Woods have sold Woods Ace Hardware in Ellensburg, Wash., to Brandon Wright, owner of Othello Ace.
• Big C Lumber has acquired Delton Pole Building Supply Co. of Delton, Mich.
• Kodiak Building Partners has acquired Sunrise Builders Supply stores in Tennessee and Mississippi and Albeni Falls Building Supply in Oldtown, Idaho.
• Curt’s Ace Hardware opened its fourth store in Erwin, Tenn.
• Grant Rosenberger opened his second Ace Hardware in Lewistown, Pa.
• Nick’s True Value Hardware opened in Osage Beach, Mo.
• Graylend Horn opened his fifth store, Horn’s Gloucester Ace Hardware in Gloucester, Va.
• Gregg Brunson has opened Port Royal Ace Hardware in Port Royal, S.C.
• Britt and Laura Wood have acquired Werner’s Trading Company in Cullman, Ala., from the Werner family.
• Kinney Bros. & Keele True Value Hardware in Ontario, Ore., has been acquired by Thatcher’s Ace Hardware.
• Mike Outlaw and Rick English acquired Harpeth True Value in Franklin, Tenn., from Mike and Shelley Moeller.
• Hitash Patel opened his fifth D’s Ace Hardware in Viera, Fla.
• Mike Lynn acquired Hoholik’s Ace Hardware in Manistique, Mich., from the Hoholik family.
• Ashley and Alex Ziegenbein have opened Gretna Ace Hardware in Gretna, Neb.
• Joe Fasula opened his fourth Gerrity’s Ace Hardware in Shavertown, Pa.
• Greg Paul opened his second Ace Hardware in Travelers Rest, S.C.
• Medford Cooperative has acquired Tomahawk Ace Hardware in Tomahawk, Wis.
• Larry and Dan Bryngelson have acquired Hackensack Lumber and Hardware in Hackensack, Minn., and Backus Lumber and Supply in Backus, Minn., from Rita and Fay Coffland.
• R.P. Lumber Co. has acquired Southwest Builder Supply in Mount Ayr, Iowa, and Kieffer Lumber in Mount Carmel, Ill., and now operates 85 locations.
• Wehrung’s held a grand opening for its newly remodeled store in Macungie, Pa. that was previously Dries Do it Center.
Wehrung’s
KUDOS TO:
• Ritter Lumber in Nederland, Texas, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
• Wilton Springs True Value Hardware in Newport, Tenn., is marking its 50th anniversary.
• Brownsboro Hardware and Paint in Louisville, Ky., raised a record $35,263 for two local foodrelated charities with its annual EGGFest.
• Nation’s Best Holdings hosted a golf tournament that raised $260,000 to support the mission of Arrivederci ALD and find a cure for the debilitating disease.
• Askew’s Ace Hardware in New Bern, N.C., won first place in the national Ace Bucket Display Contest, which benefits local Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. Askew’s Hardware customers donated $1,575 this year.
• Dave Clement marked the 90th anniversary of Dave’s Ace Hardware in Hammond, La.
• The Parks family is celebrating the 90th anniversary of R&R Ace Hardware in Saint Clair, Mo.
• Mid-Cape Home Centers, a division of US LBM, received
five gold PRISM Awards from the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston for Best Event, Best Kitchen, Best Logo, Best Marketing Campaign and Best Community Spirit.
• Hupp Hardware in Wichita, Kan., is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE:
• Ritter Lumber in Nederland, Texas, named fourth-generation family member Peyton Ritter as president.
• ECI Software Solutions has named Chip Coyle chief marketing officer.
• The Bostwick-Braun Company hired Rob Dilts as director of supply chain and promoted Damian Nicholson as merchandise manager.
• BrassCraft Mfg. Co. has promoted Mike Roberts to vice president of sales and marketing, replacing George Werner, who is retiring.
• Cheri Phyfer has been named group president of Fortune Brands.
• Apex Tool Group has hired Rob Marais as senior vice president and president of global power tools and James Booth as senior vice president, global OpEx and supply chain.
• STIHL Inc. has named Uwe Hirsch vice president of finance.
Chip Coyle
Cheri Phyfer
Rob Marais
James Booth
Uwe Hirsch
Brownsboro Hardware Owner
Doug Carroll (center)
• Eddie Wilson was named general manager of 84 Lumber in Oakland, N.J.
• Do it Best Corp. hired Elliott Buroff as warehouse department manager, Mykaela Crowell as associate merchandise manager, and Josh Heaton, Lonnie Kvasuicka and Levi Robbins as territory managers; and promoted Mary Hensley to manager of IT program and portfolio management, Mallory Bates to merchandise manager for building materials, Jen Nordmann to associate merchandise managerglobal sourcing, Howard O’Neil to division manager of forest products and Jon Timmerman to product sales manager of panels-West.
IN OTHER NEWS:
• Hultafors Group AB has acquired Martinez Tool Co.
• The U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 2.6% in Q3, marking its first increase in 2022 and a sharp turnaround after six months of contraction.
• Stanley Black & Decker reported Q3 revenues of $4.1 billion, up 9% from prior year.
IN MEMORY:
• Rich Lender, president and CEO of 20-store Your Building Centers in Altoona, Pa., and a newly elected board member of Do it Best
Corp., died in a car accident October 25. He was 61. For more click here.
• Irene Ohmann passed away September 10 at the age of 84. She owned and operated Albany True Value Hardware in Albany, Minn., for 36 years.
• Roger Scherer, former CEO of Scherer Bros. Lumber in Minneapolis, passed away August 14 at 87.
• Clifton “Skip” Hammond, founder of Hammond Lumber Co. in Belgrade, Maine, died September 3 at the age of 94. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
• Bill Lane, who owned Lane’s Hardware in Irwin, Pa., died October 22 at age 61.
• Herb Kohler, who served as CEO of his family’s namesake plumbing company for 43 years, died September 3 at age 83. For more click here.
FOR THE FULL STORY:
• ECI Software Solutions acquires ES Tech Group. Click here.
• TAL Holdings acquires Miller’s Home Center. Click here.
• Eli Bliffert to receive Wisconsin Titan 100 Award. Click here.
• Epicor acquires eFlex Systems. Click here.
Rich Lender
• Bomgaars to acquire 73 Orscheln Farm stores. Click here.
• True Value to acquire Agway brand. Click here.
• ECI hires new chief product officer. Click here. ■
UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER
ECI Connect Conference 2022
November 9-11, Gaylord of the Rockies, Aurora, Colo.
Epicor Insights 2022 Building Supply User Conference
November 14-16, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Hardlines Distribution Alliance 2023 Executive Planning Conference
November 15-17, LaPaloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Ariz.
NAWLA Traders Market
November 9-11, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix
JANUARY
2023
House-Hasson Hardware Winter Dealer Market
January 12-14, Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville, Tenn.
International Builders’ Show 2023
January 31-February 3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
National Hardware Show
January 31-February 3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
National Kitchen & Bath Show
January 31-February 3, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas
FEBRUARY
2023
LBM Advantage Annual Buying Show
February 27-March 1, Coronado Springs Resort, Orlando, Fla.
Monroe Hardware Spring Dealer Market
February 10-12, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Orgill Online Spring Buying Event
February 6-13
Orgill Spring Dealer Market
February 9-11, Morial Convention Center, New Orleans
MARCH 2023
Ace Hardware Spring 2023 Convention
March 13-16, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio
Blish-Mize Spring Customer Buying Market
March 16-18, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kan.
Do it Best Spring 2023 Market
March 11-13, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.
Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Expo 2023
March 11-13, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.
The Inspired Home Show 2023
March 4-7, McCormick Place, Chicago
True Value Spring Reunion
March 17-19, McCormick Place, Chicago
For a complete listing of calendar dates, click here.
Geoff Saunders with his cascading display at Van Well Building Supply.
InnovatIve DIsplay
IDea Is a HIt
Retailers are always trying out different ways to merchandise items to catch customers’ attention and drive more sales.
Geoff Saunders, store manager at Van Well Building Supply in Dallas, Ore., built a cascading, gravity-fed dump bin and located it near the front of his store. He reports that depending on the item, he is seeing up to a 40 percent increase in sales compared to their six sister locations promoting the same products. He says it has been a great topic of discussion between his sales staff and customers.
Marson anD Marson luMber
sHows off MoDern look
TAL Holdings recently opened a new location under the Marson and Marson Lumber brand in Ephrata, Wash. The new store features a modern look with 8,000 square feet of retail space on a 4-acre lot with a paved lumberyard. The store includes a contractorfocused assortment of hardware and
TAL Holdings opened a new Marson and Marson Lumber store with a modern look.
tools in addition to a staffed design center with cabinets, countertops, doors and windows. “We are excited to expand our presence in North Central Washington,” shared TAL Holdings CEO Jason Blair. “The new Ephrata store will allow us to better serve our professional contractors in the area and reach new customers in the greater Columbia Basin.”
A grand opening celebration was held on October 22.
brancHIng out Into a grapHIc worlD
Lincoln Creek Lumber in Tumwater, Wash., has stumbled onto a lucrative niche. The retailer launched a graphics department in 2017 as a support for Lincoln Creek Lumber’s four store locations and the contractors they serve.
Nestled in the Tumwater store above the contractor sales department, the graphics department has evolved into Lincoln Creek Graphics, which is devoted to creating custom-made pieces to
was displayed at the Guyer Art Barn in Hyannis, Mass.
k&b true value rolls out clean energy
meet the brand-building needs of clients. The one-stop design shop offers graphic design, wide-format digital printing, indoor and outdoor signage and banners, business graphics, promotional items, custom apparel, and vehicle decals and magnets. Click here to learn more.
an eye for DesIgn
Century Club retailer Mid-Cape Home Centers, with six locations in Massachusetts, recently participated in the MassHire Art Works program. One of the company’s kitchen and bath designers, Maribeth, mentored Janae, a local student who has shown an interest in interior design. Janae did a great job completing a story board for a real bathroom remodel project, which
K&B True Value has become the first retail business in the city of Annapolis, Md., to become net-zero on electricity consumption. Owner Jared Littmann partnered with Solar Energy Services to install a 224-panel solar energy system that offsets 15 percent of the store’s annual electricity consumption. Click here for more. n
Some of the work done by Lincoln Creek Graphics.
Janae and Maribeth with her bath remodel design for Mid-Cape Home Centers.
Jared Littmann of K&B True Value with Councilwoman Lisa Rodvien.
Behind the Numbers
68.7%
Percentage of homeowners who have purchased lawn and garden products in 2022, the top home improvement category, according to purchasing data released by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI). The most popular purchases were weed killer, garden hose and lawn/plant fertilizer.
61%
Percentage of homeowners who have purchased paint and sundries products in 2022, the second-ranked home improvement category, according to HIRI purchasing data. The most popular purchases were interior paint, tape and paint brushes/rollers/pans.
54.8%
Percentage of homeowners who have purchased electrical and lighting products in 2022, the third-ranked home improvement category, according to HIRI purchasing data. The most popular purchases were light bulbs, interior light fixtures and light switches.
51%
Percentage of homeowners who have purchased plumbing products in 2022, according to HIRI purchasing data. The most popular purchases were toilet repair parts, faucets and water heaters.
48.7%
Percentage of homeowners who have purchased hand tools/accessories in 2022, according to HIRI purchasing data. The most popular purchases were work gloves, knee pads and other protective gear; and utility knives.
1.5%
Projected growth in the total home improvement products market in 2023, according to HIRI, which projects the consumer market growing by 0.6% and the pro market growing by 3.6%.