MARKET INSIGHTS Now featuring new products The National Hardware Show’s independent focus falls on trends and solutions By HBSDealer Staff The No. 1 question asked at the Hardware Show this year among and between attendees is almost guaranteed to be the same as last year, or the year before that — “What have you seen that’s new?” There will be no excuse for coming up blank. Not only because of the sheer number of vendors, but because organizers have placed an emphasis on featured areas that highlight the newest products and trends that drive sales at independent retailers. “There are a large number of independent retailers within the home improvement industry,” says Rich Russo, vice president of the National Hardware Show. “At the Show, we offer networking events, complimentary education sessions, new products, buying opportunities and more for these independent retailers to take advantage of during just one trip.” The National Hardware Show kicks off Tuesday, May 9, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and runs through Thursday, May 11. “I love the networking that takes place between store owners, vendors and manufacturers,” said retailer Megan Menzer of Newton’s True Value in Cherryvale, Kansas. “I can talk to hardware store owners who work with all different distributors, not just those with my own co-op. The contacts, new ideas, educational training and networking that go on makes it well worth my time to attend the show.” That dialog among independents will be advanced by a presentation by 38 What is your No. 1 priority at industry trade shows, markets or conventions? Will Aubuchon, the CEO of 110-store Aubuchon Hardware, described as the “largest independent home improvement retailer in the United States.” The executive is planning to discuss some of the ideas behind the company’s omnichannel initiative — “Aubuchon Go” — which was launched with the intent to seamlessly blend customers’ Aubuchon experiences in the store and online. Aubuchon, which owns the “hardwarestore.com” web address, rolled out its groundbreaking initiative in 2016. HBSDealer.com asked readers in April that very question. Here are the results from 110 responses. meet people and network 25% find specific new products 24% bring home info to improve business 23% take advantage of deals/discounts 20% learn general merchandise trends 9% NHS continued on page 40 MAY 2017 HARDWARE + BUILDING SUPPLY DEALER HBSDealer.com