Category Spotlights

Getting Back to the Simple Life with Sustainable Landscapes

Wanda Lenoir

June 15, 2024

Sustainable landscaping is more than a trend that will eventually fade away. Younger homeowners and people committed to being environmentally friendly have made going green a lifestyle that dictates their buying decisions.

Paint & Sundries Feature

Consumers will Create Harmony with Color in 2025

Wanda Lenoir

May 25, 2024

What’s ahead in 2025? Retailers who sell paint understand that color and inspiration influence consumer’s purchasing decisions. So, it’s little wonder that The Inspired Home Show burst with vibrant colors and innovative displays designed to fire the imagination

Paint & Sundries Feature

(Spray) Paint like a Pro

Contributor

January 25, 2024

Have you ever walked past a piece of furniture and thought, "That could use a pop of color"? Or gazed at a plain wall and imagined a vibrant mural? What’s old is new again and your consumers are looking for the perfect products to help them tackle the job.

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Lawn & Garden Feature

5 Trends You Don’t Want to Miss This Spring

Contributor

January 25, 2024

Lawn and Garden Do it Best Merchandise Manager Sarah Krey presents five trends you need to know about this spring

Lawn & Garden Feature

Selecting the Right Plants is Serious Business for Gardeners

Wanda Lenoir

August 21, 2023

Retailers always need to find out what types of questions customers will ask. It's best to be prepared, especially when selling plants. While most gardeners know the differences between annuals that die after one season or perennials that regrow year after year, they want to become more familiar with identifying plant categories by species. There are critical distinctions between native plants, cultivars, and nativars. Understanding these differences enables avid gardeners with a specific purpose to succeed.

Hardware and Building Supplies Feature

Tighter Budgets Cause Surge in MRO Projects

Wanda Lenoir

August 21, 2023

Last year homeowners tackled expensive renovations and were willing to wait months for the services of contractors. Disruptions in the supply chain created a ripple effect that caused contractors to search the market to obtain the materials necessary to fulfill contractual obligations. However, rising inflation, escalating material costs, and an unpredictable housing market have changed consumers’ perspectives. When people are uncertain about the future, they spend less on non-essentials and hire others to complete tasks they can do themselves.

Paint & Sundries Feature

Central Lumber & Hardware

Wanda Lenoir

August 21, 2023

The small town of Harlowton Montana, population about 1,000, sits beneath a bright blue sky framed by big snowy mountains. It was founded in 1900, as a station stop on the Montana railroad, and was named for Richard A Harlow, the company’s president. The state’s biggest city, Billings, is about 90 minutes away. With so few people in town, it takes someone with a pioneering spirit to successfully operate a hardware store. Jeff Sell, owner of Central Lumber & Hardware, is that person. The Do it Best store

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Impulse and Housewares

Tap into the Demand for Cleaning Solutions

Wanda Lenoir

August 21, 2023

The Category is Thriving Research indicates the household cleaning supplies market reached $35.3 billion in 2022. The category is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.9 percent and generate sales of $47.1 billion by 2028. Unlike many products that experience peaks and valleys, cleaning solutions are in constant demand, and manufacturers continually innovate to remain competitive. In such a broad category, it's easy for independent retailers to carve out a niche tailored to their customer base.

Hardware and Building Supplies Feature

Getting Customers Up to Speed on Deck Flashing

Wanda Lenoir

January 27, 2023

Over the past fifteen years, new trends and innovations have radically impacted the decking world. Hidden fasteners allow for decks that look unmarred and perfect. Composite decking creates decks that will last a lifetime. And at the same time, underneath the deck boards, a quiet innovation has started taking root to protect the substructure of decks.

Lawn & Garden Feature

Therapeutic Gardens

Wanda Lenoir

January 20, 2023

Spending time in a garden can be therapeutic for most people, especially those with mental, physical, or emotional challenges. Depending on the disability, connecting with nature can promote social interactions, improve fine motor skills, improve concentration, or instill a sense of independence.

CATEGORY SPOTLIGHT