Spotlight on Business

Family,Canning,Vegetables,In,Jars,In,The,Kitchen.,Selective,Focus.

“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.

A,Male,Buyer,In,A,Modern,Hardware,Store.,A,Large

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

Products,Stock,Inventory,Engineer,Sale,Agent,In,Hardware,Shop,Phone

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

Cheerful,Senior,Woman,Putting,Bread,At,Birdhouse,While,Feeding,Birds

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.

Diverse,Colleagues,In,Festive,Accessories,Smiling,Together,For,A,Celebratory

Doing Something Special Makes Customers Feel Appreciated

December 15, 2025

Customers like to know that the stores they support appreciate their business. While the holidays are swiftly approaching, the New Year is also an ideal opportunity to celebrate the special relationship you have built with customers.

Hardware,Store,Worker,Assisting,Customer

Motivating Your Staff Grows the Store’s List of Happy Customers

November 20, 2025

So, what does it take to make customers consistently happy with your service? Nordstroms and Apple have figured out how to deliver white-glove experiences by meeting the needs of people, rather than simply selling products. The companies also understand that caring about people extends to their employees, who are the key to building a loyal customer base and achieving long-term success.

Beautiful,Mother,And,Daughter,Buying,Christmas,Decorations,In,Store

Get Customers Excited About Shopping on Small Business Saturday

October 29, 2025

Time to get ready! This year, holiday shoppers will make a renewed effort to "shop small" and support local businesses. Small Business Saturday will be held on November 29, the day after Black Friday. It’s an opportunity for your independent business to attract new customers and benefit from the special promotions developed to support this popular shopping day.

Couple,Buying,New,Year,Goods,In,Supermarket

Practical Ways to Connect with Shoppers and Generate Holiday Sales

October 16, 2025

Store owners typically have such busy schedules that promoting the business and planning events get put on the back burner. However, it's essential to take the time to come up with ideas to keep shoppers engaged with your store, especially during the holidays. Consumers have many options for where to shop for similar products, so it’s critical to stand out from competitors. Generating robust sales in November and December