Spotlight on Business

Gear Up for Back-to-School Sales to Generate High Margins and Increase Traffic

June 24, 2026

Back-to-School (BTS) season is one of the most profitable retail windows of the year, generating more than $41.5 billion in U.S. consumer spending annually, according to the National Retail Federation. While big-box stores dominate traditional school supplies, hardware stores have a unique opportunity to capture a share of this massive market by focusing on practical, durable, and home-organization products that families genuinely need.

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Driving Sales and Winning New Customers in a Boomcession

June 11, 2026

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.

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Prepare to Rise Above the Slump of Slow Summer Months

April 29, 2026

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.

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Solutions to Help your Business Mitigate Rising Costs

April 14, 2026

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.

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

March 31, 2026

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

March 9, 2026

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.

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

February 23, 2026

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

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Leverage Point-of-Sale Data to Deliver Personalized Service

February 10, 2026

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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Keep an eye on Birdwatchers to Discover a Growing Niche Opportunity

January 26, 2026

Creating a niche that caters to birdwatchers can be a profitable opportunity that attracts a diverse and growing group of customers. Understanding the needs and values of birders will enable you to offer relevant products and create experiences that attract young people, families, and the community.

Simple Ways to Start the New Year on the Right Track

December 30, 2025

People often make resolutions they seldom keep. When life gets busy, everything they hoped to accomplish is soon forgotten. However, businesses rely on a more concrete approach to solve problems and effect change. Forward-thinking store owners understand the importance of developing a game plan for the team to follow.