The heat is on! Many areas of the country are experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Since most people are trying to stay cool, getting ready for Fall is not their priority. However, Summer is the ideal time for hardware stores to review plans for the Fall and adjust them as needed. Since people are taking vacations and enjoying the outdoors, business is slower. When Fall arrives, customers are eager to buy seasonal goods to prepare their homes for colder weather.

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. This Fall will be a critical selling season for hardware stores. Whatever plans you set in motion this autumn, establish the foundation for successful sales during the holidays.

Inventory Planning
Begin by analyzing sales data from previous seasons to identify high-demand and slow-selling products. Understanding the data will determine which assortments to stock and the quantities required for each. It’s crucial to make accurate projections, as every out-of-stock item represents a missed sales opportunity that results in a disappointed customer. Place orders with your suppliers promptly to secure the best prices and avoid shortages.

Building End Caps and Cross-Merchandising Products
Homeowner activities focusing on seasonal maintenance and Fall projects are ideal themes for endcaps. Generate sales by highlighting high-margin and high-demand products. Cross-merchandise items based on themes (e.g., snow shovels, ice melt, work gloves) to increase basket size and make it convenient for shoppers to pick up the items they need.

• Yard and leaf cleanup: Rakes, leaf blowers, lawn bags, tarps, furniture covers, storage solutions, roof rakes, gutter guards
• Weatherproofing and winterization: Caulking, weatherstripping, furnace filters, HVAC materials, insulation materials, de-icing chemicals, salt
• Preparing lawns and Gardens for Winter: Grass seed, fertilizer, tarps, furniture covers, storage solutions, garden tools, pest control
• Winterizing tools and outdoor equipment: Snow shovels, ice melt, snow blowers
• Lighting projects and seasonal décor: lights, wreaths, candles, seasonal plants, pumpkins
• Clothing: Heavyweight hats, gloves, and workwear

Placing eye-catching seasonal displays in strategic locations near the store’s entrance and in specific aisles is a great way to highlight essential merchandise. Consider bundling related items to facilitate quick sales and create an enjoyable shopping experience.

Planning Special Events and Promotions
Fall holidays and local festivals are ideal opportunities for promoting in-store and community events. Customers look forward to Labor Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving to take a break from their daily routines. Since customers are motivated to shop, help them get more value for their money with “buy one, get one” offers, bundled deals, and additional discounts when they make bulk purchases. Since these promotions increase traffic, it’s a great time to sign up shoppers for your store’s loyalty program and offer them incentives to make purchases throughout the season.

Holding educational workshops related to seasonal projects positions your store as a community resource. Most people are interested in saving energy, home safety, and preparing outdoor spaces for winter. Topics include prepping yards for winter, weatherproofing homes, fire prevention and home safety, and planting bulbs for spring. Add some fun with a trick-or-treat candy giveaway and a pumpkin carving contest.

Update Social Media Channels and the Store’s Website
Use fall-themed visuals and content to highlight new products, seasonal essentials, and upcoming events on social media and the store’s website. Send email newsletters to alert loyal customers to special offers and new or unusual seasonal items. Add helpful “how-to” tips and recommend products for simple DIY projects to increase engagement and add value for the customer.

Hold Training Sessions
Help your staff prepare for the busy season. Periodically hold training sessions to update store associates on new inventory and provide answers to customers’ frequently asked questions. Typical questions may relate to weatherproofing, yard care, leaf removal, and heating. Emphasize the importance of offering exceptional service to encourage return visits.

• Engage customers by expressing interest in their projects
• Offer to help carry heavy or bulky items to their car
• Give personalized suggestions for products
• Open early or close late to accommodate pros and loyal customers
• Reinforce safety practices to avoid accidents related to leaves, mud, or snow

Preparing your store for Fall requires careful planning and an enthusiastic attitude. Since every selling season is different, think of new ideas to engage customers and keep them excited about shopping at your business. Hardware stores are a frequent destination for homeowners every Fall. Be prepared to offer shoppers high-quality products, practical advice, and exceptional service to set the stage for a profitable year-end.