Wanda Lenoir, Author at Cutting Edge Products

Hiring Teens Part-Time Can Help Solve Staffing Shortages

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On July 29, 2026
employee shortage, Hiring Teens, solve staffing shortage

Everyone has days when they feel like they’re running empty and can use a little help to smooth out the rough patches. The daily challenges of operating a hardware store can pile up quickly, and a few more employees during peak hours and selling seasons can make a big difference. Yet, in an uncertain economy, owners may be reluctant to significantly increase payroll costs by hiring a full-time worker.

Keeping Pace with Pet Owners Leads to More Sales

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On July 29, 2026
Attract Pet Owners, Pet Sales, Selling Pet Products

One reason hardware stores sell pet products is to attract new customers and encourage existing customers to shop more frequently. Store owners who are committed to building a profitable niche should offer assortments that highlight premium foods, natural products, and sustainability.

Driving Sales and Winning New Customers in a Boomcession

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On June 11, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

The country is experiencing an economic phase defined by contradiction. Studies indicate the nation is in a Boomcession (“boom” and “recession”), a term used to describe the disconnect between what the data shows about the economy versus what people believe is true. When consumers feel that the economy is unstable, they adjust their lifestyles and spending habits to prepare for worst-case scenarios. Although consumer confidence feels shaky, and headlines warn of inflation, spending in many categories remains strong.

Prepare to Rise Above the Slump of Slow Summer Months

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On April 29, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

Independent retailers typically expect sales to be slower during the "J-months" (January, June, and July) and anticipate lower foot traffic due to changing weather. Right now, business is booming. Spring is finally here, and people are busy planting, cleaning, and completing projects around their homes.

Pleasants Hardware Opens Fourth New Location Since 2016

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On April 15, 2026
Cutting Edge Products

The Taylor family celebrated the grand opening of a new Pleasants Hardware location on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 10011 Hull Street Road in Richmond, Virginia. The opening marks the fourth new store added since Taylor’s Do it Center acquired Pleasants Hardware in 2016. Since the acquisition, the company has grown the Pleasants Hardware brand from seven locations to 11 today, alongside 11 Taylor’s Do it Center stores, for a total of 22 locations.

Solutions to Help your Business Mitigate Rising Costs

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On April 14, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

Higher gas prices, rising labor costs, price increases, and economic uncertainty are causing many hardware store owners to tighten operations and implement practical solutions to save money without sacrificing service to their customers. Start by leaning into products and services that meet your customers’ immediate needs, extend the life of what they already own, and support their do-it-yourself mindset.

“Lifestyle Canning” is an Opportunity to Grow and Harvest More Sales

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On March 31, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

Canning food has always been an age-old tradition in rural communities and among thrifty gardeners across the country. Folks saw the harvest season as an opportunity to preserve the fruits of their labor and enjoy home-grown fruits and vegetables for months to come. Previously, canning was an activity that happened only occasionally, depending on the time, place, and season. The canning process takes time and can be labor-intensive. Yet, “canners” find the process relaxing, peaceful, and a communal way for everyone to contribute and gather.

Prepare Your Team to Pivot in Unpredictable Times

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On March 9, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

With so many changes happening on the economic front, it’s only natural to ask, what’s next? While you have no control over tariffs, global instability, and how customers spend their money, you can prepare your company for a worst-case scenario. Owning an independent business is a high-stakes game that requires many players to participate and achieve specific goals.

Applying the 1% Rule: Small Improvements Can Drive Big Results for the Long Haul

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On February 23, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

Hardware store owners know that growth sometimes happens at a turtle’s pace rather than at the speed of a rabbit. Dealing with tight margins, rising prices, and temperamental customers requires a common-sense strategy that can boost profitability and position businesses for sustainable growth. By its nature, the 1% rule seems simple to apply

Leverage Point-of-Sale Data to Deliver Personalized Service

Posted by Wanda Lenoir
On February 10, 2026
Cutting Edge Products Magazine, Wanda Lenoir

Independent Retailers often have underutilized resources at their disposal that can help their businesses operate more efficiently. One of the most untapped resources is the store’s point-of-sale system (POS). It is a powerful tool that collects valuable information about each customer’s buying habits and can help personalize the shopping experience

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