Hardware Retailing back issues from January 2007:
Lessons learned at a mother's knee: excellence in retailing is about individuals.
Jan 01, 2007; ... The importance and worth of the individual human being is the basic building block for success in business and in life. The individual who instilled this value in yours truly is Rose Ann Kuhn, who is about to complete her one hundred and second year on this earth. She went on to become ...
Keep it fresh: a little change will do you (and your customers) good.
Jan 01, 2007; ... Not too long ago, my wife and I were engaged in the yearly ritual of decorating our home for the holidays. For my wife, this means thoughtfully placing the miniature nativity scene on our dining room table, stringing the lights on the tree and spreading green and red doodads ...
Monthly retail sales.(Trends: Tracking Market Sales)(Statistical table)(Brief article)
Jan 01, 2007 ... <Pre> Monthly Retail Sales Seasonally adjusted in billions. Figures above line represent monthly percentage change. October '05 $28.7 +1.4% November $29.3 +2.0% December $29.2 -0.3% January '06 $30.6 +4.8% February $30.5 -0.3% March $31.0 ...
Retail sales versus same month previous year.(Trends: Tracking Market Sales)
Jan 01, 2007 ... <Pre> October '05 +12.1% November +13.6% December +11.0% January '06 +15.4% February +15.9% March +15.2% April +10.6% May+9.8% June ...
Distribution America and PRO Group members discuss business issues with key suppliers.(PRO Group Inc.)(Executive Planning Conference )
Jan 01, 2007 ... Distributors representing the Charlotte-based Distribution America (DA) and Denver-based PRO Group Inc. gathered with manufacturers November 12-14 at the Executive Planning Conference (EPC). The event at the La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, Calif., drew about 480 home improvement ...
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.(INDUSTRY NEWS At a Glance)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp ....
Mountain States Lumber & Building Material Dealers' Association.(INDUSTRY NEWS At a Glance)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Bill Miller of Alpine Lumber Co. in Denver was elected president of ...
Masco Corp.(INDUSTRY NEWS At a Glance)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Kathleen Vokes was named ...
Do it Best Corp.(INDUSTRY NEWS At a Glance)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Fourteen Habitat for Humanity affiliates received $145,376 in product ...
Marshalltown Co.(INDUSTRY NEWS At a Glance)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Marshalltown Co. has promoted Dan ...
Wallace Hardware Co.(INDUSTRY NEWS At a Glance)
Jan 01, 2007 ... About 300 retailers and 200 vendors attended Wallace Hardware Co.'s "Hanging of the Green" Fall Dealer Market Nov. 28-30. For the ...
Home Hardware strikes deal with Aeroplan.(NewsMakers: Reporting on the Industry)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Home Hardware Stores Ltd. has announced a national multi-year partnership with Aeroplan, a loyalty marketing company. Starting in early 2007, Aeroplan members can earn 1 Aeroplan Mile for every $2 spent at the more than 1,000 Home Hardware, Home Building Centre, Home Hardware Building ...
New chairmen take over at Do it Best and True Value.(NewsMakers: Reporting on the Industry)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Both Do it Best Corp. and True Value Co. have transitioned to new leadership on their board of directors. Stan Hardman, president of Hardman's in Spencer, W. Va., announced his retirement from Do it Best's board of directors at the co-op's October market in Indianapolis. Hardman ...
Brownsboro Hardware customer passes on winnings.(NewsMakers: Reporting on the Industry)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Brownsboro Hardware & Paint in Louisville set out to generate some goodwill with customers by conducting a $1,000 Shopping Spree Sweepstakes this past fall. The contest had some unexpected consequences. Delores Baur, a retired teacher, decided to enter the sweepstakes on ...
Home Depot enters China market, admits to backdating stock option grants.(NewsMakers: Reporting on the Industry)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The Home Depot has agreed to acquire The Home Way, China's first home improvement retailer. The transaction has received the necessary Chinese government regulatory approvals and was expected to close by the end of 2006. The acquisition provides Home Depot with an immediate ...
TruServ Canada owners approve new structure.(NewsMakers: Reporting on the Industry)
Jan 01, 2007 ... TruServ Canada's board of directors has approved a new corporate structure to enhance the company's long-term financial position and attract new business relationships, TruServ Canada, which has more than 750 affiliated independent retailers across Canada, will be converted to a ...
Nominations open for Young Retailer of the Year program.(NewsMakers: Reporting on the Industry)
Jan 01, 2007 ... The Young Retailer of the Year recognition program, established by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA), is now in its 11th year. Nominations for the 2007 Young Retailer of the Year program will be accepted until March 16. Retailers age 35 and younger will be ...
Tom Peters shares insights into innovation.
Jan 01, 2007 ... Tom Peters, best-selling author of In Search of Excellence, is well known for his thoughts on management. He was one of the presenters during the American Hardware Manufacturers Association's Executive Series, held in conjunction with HSM's World High Performance Forum Nov. 16-17 in ...
Pugwash Home Hardware gets creative with sales events throughout the year.(PROMOTIONS)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Advertising in the newspaper and mailing out fliers are common methods hardware retailers use to promote their stores. At Pugwash Home Hardware in Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Owners Andrew and Kristine Van de Wiel have had success with some less conventional promotions. Kristine ...
North Carolina partners turn people's clutter into cash.(Carolina Closets Plus)(Brief article)
Jan 01, 2007 ... What used to be just a niche in Craig Yarnell and Mike Hoffer's hardware and rental store has evolved into what they consider the perfect niche company. Carolina Closets Plus, based in Chapel Hill, N.C., features the largest showroom for custom closet, home office and garage organization ...
Inventory investment helps double sales at Oregon store.(Dexter True Value Hardware)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Sometimes, a fresh approach is the only one necessary for success, as Brian Shafer, owner of Dexter True Value Hardware, discovered when he more than doubled sales one year after purchasing the Dexter, Ore., store. "The previous owners treated it like a convenience store. They ...
Hunting supplies are always in season at Stevens.(NICHE CATEGORIES)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Stevens Poultry and Hardware Supply, located in rural Cullman, Ala., has only been open since February 2006, but the locals already view the store as their salvation from a drive to the big city of Birmingham, an hour away. "We have a lot of the same people coming in and out, ...
Putting a fresh face on your business: how to create the right look to keep customers returning.
Jan 01, 2007; ... If you want to dramatically boost your store's sales, try making a mess of it. At least that approach seems to work at Williams Lumber and Home Centers in Rhinebeck, N.Y., according to Merchandise Manager John Franklin. "The occasional mess actually looks good to the ...
Now here's a bright idea.
Jan 01, 2007 ... With a new Home Depot coming to his market in Sheridan Wyo., Kurt Smith figured it was time to bring his store. Sheridan Commercial True Value out of the dark ages ... literally. We knew our lighting was inadequate. We were still using some of the original store lighting that ...
Providing the tools to succeed: jump-start your training program to boost employees' confidence.(Cover story)
Jan 01, 2007; ... Some retailers teach new employees the intricacies of hardware retailing as they go, relying on new hires' ability to learn on the job, but a growing number of owners and managers are discovering the benefits of more formalized training programs. Ray Barrett, manager of Keough's ...
Growing up together: family business keeps finding new ways to expand.(RETAIL PROFILE)
Jan 01, 2007; ... Stan Kuenning had been Selling nuts and bolts all his life. But when his son Scott--whom he'd reared in the hardware business--showed him the inside of a newly constructed 14,400-square-foot building where he planned to open a hardware store, he was dumbfounded. "How do you plan to fill ...
Lighting up sales with candle power: Hood's do it best turns niche into dominant department.(Hood's Do it Best)(Company overview)
Jan 01, 2007 ... Giftware has evolved way beyond niche status at Hood's Do it Best in Wyandotte, Mich. The department is one of the primary drivers of customer traffic, sales and profits for the store, which has been in business since 1951. "WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN A HARDWARE store that is heavy in ...
Comparing apples to apples: alternative accounting calendar lets retailers track sales better.(Calendar)
Jan 01, 2007; ... The Julian calendar is commonplace in modern society. It has united the world under one accepted measurement of time. But with its uneven monthly divisions, is it the most efficient accounting calendar for retailers who need to compare peak sales month to month and year to year? ...
What goes up must come down: retailers learn to cope with fluctuating raw material costs.
Jan 01, 2007; ... MOST RETAILERS understand there are just some things out of their control. Although the price of copper was starting to come down toward the end of 2006, the elevated cost of the raw material caused goods made from it to be the focus of thefts across the nation and affected the way some ...
Contour scraper.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... CONTOUR SCRAPER removes paint, varnish, putty, caulk or rust from virtually any surface. Six changeable blades fit into tight corners, curves, small channels and more, for use in a wide range of home and worksite projects. This tool set is a great problem-solver for contractors, ...
Functional utility bar.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... FUNCTIONAL UTILITY BAR is a multi-functional professional demolition tool, forged from a single piece of high-carbon steel for strength and durability. The FUBAR[TM] features an oversized striking face with a long tempered edge for removing drywall and other sheathing material, an ...
Screwless wallplates.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... SCREWLESS WALLPLATES are designed to be sleek, smooth and seamless. These screwless wallplates are easy to install and can even be changed out in seconds if anew color is desired. Simply remove the trim-plate, leaving the mounting plate and wiring device in place and snap the new wallplate ...
Natural earth plasters.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... NATURAL EARTH PLASTERS bring the appeal of natural finishes into any interior walls and ceilings. American Clay uses natural clays, recycled and reclaimed aggregates, and vibrant natural pigments in each of three finishes: Loma, ...
Cabinet hardware.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... CABINET HARDWARE of the early Industrial Design movement in reflects the simple, modern aesthetic Hickory Hardware's new Studio line of decorative hardware inspired by 19th century British designer Christopher Dresser. Studio's geometric forms and touch of Japanese influence lends ...
Lavatory faucet.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... LAVATORY FAUCET features a decorative, fluted design and sophisticated texture and is designed for homeowners looking to create a rich, warm powder room or guest bathroom. The faucet, part of Danze's Sable ...
Automatic furnance filtration system.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... AUTOMATIC FURNACE FILTRATION SYSTEM is a multi-patented furnace filtration system that eliminates the need for regular filter replacement for up to one year. Offering homeowners lower energy costs, improved indoor air quality and minimal maintenance, the Optimair system is designed to ...
Heavy-duty paint remover.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... HEAVY-DUTY PAINT REMOVER tally safe paint remover designed toremove up to 15 layers of paint and varnish. The longerMulti-Strip[TM] is left on the more layers of paint it removes. It is biodegradable, nonflammable and contains no methylene chloride or caustic chemicals. The paint remover ...
Kitchen cabinet cleaner and polish.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... KITCHEN CABINET CLEANER AND POLISH removes the filth on cabinets, whether water-soluble or oil-based, and brings out a rich, lustrous shine. The natural formula utilizes Carnauba wax, the hardest natural wax known for the glossy sheen it produces. Howard Naturals products contain only ...
Reach extender.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... REACH EXTENDER is strong enough to pick up a five pound brick, yet has the dexterity to pick up an object as small as a dime, Made of extruded aluminum and stainless steel, the Easy Reach[TM] can be used to clear traps and manholes of rocks and debris, to grab objects from hard to get at ...
Cable cover kit.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... CABLE COVER KIT is designed to hide cables beneath a wall-mounted TV in a low-profile channel that provides ample room for all associated cables. Both the bass and cover can be easily cut to length and can be painted to match any wall. The cover snaps on and can ...
Roller frame.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... ROLLER FRAME is designed to help painters paint faster. The Little Ben 12-inch roller frame works with all 12-inch roller covers, standard or jumbo diameter, all nap heights. There is no loose hardware to adjust and no tools required, so the roller takes just a second to install or remove ....
Short, wide sewage system.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... SHORT, WIDE SEWAGE SYSTEM is specifically designed for areas where soft conditions make digging difficult. The Pit+Plus[R] Jr., a shorter, wider version of the Little Giant Pump Co.'s popular Pit+Plus[R] basin for Little Giant's sewage systems. The large 24" x 24" basin capacity can hold ...
Self-burping caulking tubes.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... SELF-BURPING CAULKING TUBES are designed to save paint contractors time and money by reducing flaws in caulking. The tube allows air to escape the caulking tubes during the filling process, virtually eliminating the air pocket problem. You can identify self-burping caulking tubes, now ...
Vacuum lifter.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... VACUUM LIFTER is designed to handle wooden furniture from the top without slings or straps that can cause damage. The Anver VPFL-4 Series Compressed Air Vacuum Lifter is a below-the-hook lifter that features a choice of foam or rubber suction cups and a rapid vacuum attach-and-release ...
Air purifier.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... AIR PURIFIER is designed to combat poor indoor air quality. Kaz's new Honeywell[R] 3-in-1 HEPAClean[TM] Whisper Quiet Air Purifier with Germ-fighting UV Light features dual ultraviolet lights that offer germ-fighting capabilities; HEPA filtration to capture 99 percent of airborne particles ...
Rope tightener.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... ROPE TIGHTENER is designed for rope securing and tightening without the need for tying knots. The Figure 9[TM] is perfect for everyday use like pitching tarps for storage, transporting bulky gear in or on top of vehicles and carrying and storing items such as lumber, carpets, pipes, hoses ...
Versatile shower system.(Product Report: What's New on the Market)
Jan 01, 2007 ... VERSATILE SHOWER SYSTEM combines the feature of both a fixed and hand-held showerhead. The Speakman Versatile [TM] shower system (VS-1120) includes a 50-spray, fully adjustable Anystream 2000[R] hand-held shower with nine center vibra-massage streams and no-tangle six-foot metal hose. A ...
Mister Oswald.(Cartoon)
Jan 01, 2007 ... IT'S ALL PHYSICAL OSWALD--YOUR MOTOR CAPACITY ISN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE--WATCH YOUR RPM'S--NO HEAVY-DUTY APPLICATIONS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU MUST HAVE A JOHJ-VOLTAGE RECHARGABLE BATTERY PACK FOR A CORDLIESS KIND OF GUY--BUT LIKE I SAID--YOU AREN'T THE ...
Events at glance.(Calendar: Industry Shows, Conventions & Meetings)(Calendar)
Jan 01, 2007 ... January Do it Best Corp. Winter Expo & Conference, San Diego. Emery-Waterhouse. 2007 Spring Market, Providence, R.I. Five Star Group. New England Trade Show, Hartford, Conn. Five Star Group. Northeast Trade Show, Queens, N.Y. ...
Looking ahead: early action expected in 110th Congress.
Jan 01, 2007 ... When Congress recessed in October, lawmakers had a long list of unfinished business to deal with after the elections. They began a lame-duck session in mid-November, which was to finish up in mid-December. However, their ambitious plans seem to have come to naught. With ...
No excuses.(ORGILL CUSTOMER INSIGHTS)
Jan 01, 2007; ... "We got lots of excuses from our other suppliers. They never came through. But with Orgill, there has not been one thing that was not done in a timely manner. If they tell us something, they follow through and make sure we get exactly what we want. No matter what we ask for, Orgill finds a ...