Maintenance and repair (MRO) products remain one of the most reliable revenue engines in hardware retail. Even as consumer spending fluctuates, repair needs do not disappear—toilets leak, fixtures wear out, tools dull, and homeowners continually face upkeep tasks. Yet one of the most powerful forces shaping the category is the shift in how Americans live—specifically where they live and how long they plan to stay. Two noteworthy trends are related to the housing market.

• Older adults are choosing to age in place rather than move to retirement communities.
• Homeowners of all ages are staying in their homes instead of selling due to high housing costs, low inventory, and high interest rates.

Combined, these trends will dramatically increase demand for maintenance, repair, and hardware products. Unlike new construction, older homes require more frequent repairs, everything from plumbing leaks to worn-out hinges and outdated electrical components.

Aging in Place is now the Norm
According to AARP, 77% of older adults are currently aging in Place. This number will continue to rise as the living costs for seniors increase and families choose multigenerational living arrangements. A full 90% of adults over 65 plan to remain in their homes as long as possible.

• The average homeowner stays in their home 13.4 years, up from 8 years in 2010.
• Renovation is less expensive than relocation.

While the “stay-put era” is hurting sales for builders and big-box home chains like Home Depot, independents who specialize in MRO will benefit. However, they must recognize that aging homeowners need products that simplify home maintenance. Ergonomic tools, easy-install hardware, anti-slip materials, and smart home devices make navigating their homes more convenient.

• Homes over 30 years old need twice as many plumbing repairs as newer homes.
• Electrical problems increase by 40% for homes built before 1980
• After 20-25 years of use, window and door hardware failure increases

What Homeowners are Buying
Homeowners of every age are spending cautiously and avoiding major repairs when possible. They are focusing on basic repairs and preventative maintenance. Yet people still want products that last, not cheaply made ones. So, it makes sense for stores to promote more expensive, durable products. These include corrosion-resistant fasteners, heavy-duty hinges, long-life caulks and sealants, composite tools, premium lubricants, plumbing parts, and electrical parts.

Why MRO is Growing the Business
While the upsurge in MRO sales reflects the housing trend, it’s a sustained, long-term opportunity for hardware retailers and manufacturers. Repairing older homes can be challenging since the replacement parts may no longer be available. Manufacturers are now designing products specifically for older homes by providing:

• ADA-compliant hardware assortments
• Easy-installation tools
• Ergonomic tools that are easy to operate
• QR code installation videos
• Cross-merchandising maps for safety upgrades

Promote Preventative Maintenance Products
Customers often underestimate the cost of neglecting the little things that eventually turn into big problems. When shoppers come to the hardware store, they usually talk about the problem they need to solve, instead of asking for a specific product to fix it. When staff ask the right questions, they can help customers select the right item.

That’s why organizing endcaps, aisle displays, and signage around solutions, not just products, makes sense from the customer’s standpoint. When a customer says, “My door won’t close correctly,” someone on staff can direct them to the Door Repair Display featuring hinges, screws, lubricants, shims, closers, and screw extractors. A similar display or endcap can highlight a one-stop shop for leaky faucets or screen repairs.

Older Homeowners Tackle DIY Projects
As costs continue to rise, people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are doing repairs themselves instead of paying a professional. When older people shop in a store, they value clear instructions, in-store expertise, project-based merchandising, reliable tools, and purchasing products for preventive maintenance. Additionally, seniors are buying smart leak detectors and smoke/CO detectors to upgrade their home systems. Smart monitoring alerts them to problems early and gives them greater peace of mind.

Hardware stores have built relationships with customers and understand how to adapt to marketplace changes. Aging in Place is a trend that will impact most people at some point. How retailers respond to this cultural shift will determine if their business grows or stalls.