Spotlight on Business

Consumers Are Afraid of Tariffs, Yet They Keep Buying

July 16, 2025

Consumers are confused about the economy and the impact tariffs will have on their wallets. The deadline for imposing tariffs is approaching rapidly, and consumers are feeling anxious. Many shoppers report that they are scaling back on their spending.

Launch a Plan Now to Rake Up Hefty Fall Sales

July 2, 2025

Fall is a busy season for hardware stores. Store owners should develop a comprehensive strategy that considers inventory, visual merchandising, promotions, events, and the overall customer experience. It's essential to get the plans and execution right.

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Reap the Benefits of Selling Gift Cards to Diverse Customers

June 16, 2025

Gift Cards are becoming more innovative while focusing on maximizing the customer experience. These popular giftable items are simple to give and redeem. Many successful independent retailers promote physical and digital cards to help their businesses stay competitive and attract new customers.

Orgill Executives Provide Insights on Navigating Market Volatility

May 29, 2025

To help better understand the realities of what’s going on in the hardlines supply chain and how retailers can best prepare for any market uncertainties, we sat down with three members of Orgill’s executive team to hear their insight.

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Survey Results: Small Business Owners Want Washington to Rethink Policies to Spur Growth

May 27, 2025

Small business owners have definite opinions on what the government can do to help them overcome barriers that deter their ability to compete and grow. Goldman Sachs, in a new national survey, 10,000 Small Business Voices, identifies critical challenges small business owners face in 2025 and beyond.

Overcome the Barriers that Derail Small Businesses

May 16, 2025

Small- to medium-sized stores can struggle for a variety of reasons. Some problems are due to organizational operational issues, while others are directly tied to the economy. It’s understandable when owners become overwhelmed by day-to-day responsibilities and lose sight of long-term goals. However, owners must prioritize activities that increase cash flow and stimulate business growth.

Sell Plumbing Goods and Services the “Smart” Way

May 1, 2025

The plumbing industry is undergoing a transformation that utilizes technology to maximize efficiency and conserve resources. While DIY homeowners rely on the plumbing industry to help maintain their homes, plumbing professionals also handle more complex issues like water treatment systems, landscape sprinkler systems, fire sprinkler systems, and waste management systems.

Helpful Tips to Connect with Consumers on Social Media

May 1, 2025

Social media has a tremendous influence on consumers’ buying habits and where they choose to shop. Although many independent retailers recognize the need to have a social media presence for their business, developing an effective strategy is often a work in progress. Yet small-to-medium-sized businesses that make a concerted effort can use social media platforms and current technology to build a robust online presence and become skilled in digital marketing.

Making Things Right After Customer Service Goes Wrong

May 1, 2025

At some point, every retail establishment will encounter an unhappy customer who may or may not have a valid complaint about a product, service, or salesperson. Rather than avoid the problem, acting quickly to assess the situation and address the customer's concerns is critical. When handled correctly, what is initially a problem can become an opportunity for the retailer to elevate the person’s perception of the business and ultimately build an even better relationship.

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Impulse Buying Taps into the Emotional Needs of Consumers

May 1, 2025

Impulse purchases are quick-turn items that typically have a higher profit margin than items sold in core departments. Placing impulse items at checkout or on a dedicated endcap increases their visibility and the likelihood that customers will make a quick purchase before heading home.