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THE INDUSTRY’S DIGITAL LEADER

10 SMART TIPS FOR ADDING A DESIGN CENTER

Kevin Wall

and Mike Wall lead Power Townsend Company in Helena, Mont., with a consultative, wholeproject approach that supports contractors and homeowners.

(left)

A STORY ABOUT REIMAGINING COMMUNITY

We’ve spent most of our careers in construction, remodeling and local real estate investment, so when we purchased Piscitello’s Home Center in August 2022, some wondered why we were entering hardware retail While the property itself had value, we saw a greater opportunity: not just to acquire an aging 36,000-squarefoot building, but to restore a long-standing community institution and reimagine what a local home-improvement destination could be

For more than 65 years, Piscitello’s served this community with a strong local reputation. Over time, however, the business had fallen behind, with outdated systems, reduced hours, limited assortments, and a shrinking customer base. While we had no retail background, we understood how to build, problem-solve, and create value. With Orgill’s support, we undertook a full transformation installing a modern POS system, redesigning the store layout with 8-foot gondolas, improving merchandising, upgrading our digital presence, and completing a full interior renovation, all while remaining open.

The most pivotal decision came when we created a multi-tenant homeimprovement community on the property Today, Piscitello’s anchors the site alongside three new pole buildings for building materials and a diverse mix of local service businesses In total, eleven businesses now operate here

Together, we create an experience big-box retailers can’t replicate one built on collaboration, expertise, and genuine community support Piscitello’s now operates seven days a week, has grown from eight to eighteen employees, and continues to welcome both DIY customers and contractors

What began as a property purchase became something far greater: the revitalization of a true community asset And for us, this is only the beginning

Dave & Lisa Colver Owners | Piscitello’s Home Center | Easton, Pennsylvania

A Power Townsend delivery truck loaded with lumber heads out to a job site of one of the company’s network of about 4,000 active contractor accounts.

ADVERTISERS INDEX

WThe Shape of Adaptation

henever I start working on a feature story, I look for a symbol. A single image that carries the weight of the narrative, one that helps me tie the whole piece together.

For this issue’s cover story about Power Townsend , that symbol came easily: a river.

A river leaves evidence of where it has been. You can trace old channels across the landscape, see where banks once stood, recognize how the water reshaped the ground over time. The course shifts. The current keeps moving forward.

Throughout this issue, you’ll see that same flow.

In the cover feature, you’ll read about how Power Townsend began along the Missouri River in 1867, part of a freight and mercantile network that supplied a growing territory. Today it operates a 70,000-square-foot facility with a 10,000-square-foot design center and rail capacity to support building growth in its region. The foundation remains. The structure around it evolved.

For independent home improvement retailers, the same reshaping shows

By Doug Donaldson

up at the systems level. In this issue’s Retailer2Retailer, Jeremy Peterson, owner of Family Hardware in Florida, describes building his own point-ofsale platform after realizing his existing tools no longer aligned with how his business actually runs. What began as frustration with unsupported software evolved into a fully customizable system designed for scale. His story— and tips for other retailers—reflects adaptation that lives behind the counter and inside the cloud.

Another kind of reshaping takes place in this issue’s Q&A with Lauren Csire from the NHS: Concept to Commerce. She shares how retailers attending the NHS’s new format can now think earlier in the product life cycle—sourcing, private label, margin strategy. Adapting to the need for change, the show floor reorganized itself around that reality.

Our online report about Ace Hardware’s Spring Convention in Louisville carried a similar vibe. Convenience moved to the forefront: marketplaces, last-mile delivery, digital execution. The language centered on speed and accessibility. The

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shape of service is changing to mean convenience and quick delivery.

Finally, Kathryn Emery’s “ 12 Hot Trends Shaping Today’s Homes ” report from the IBS and KBIS show floors offers another place to watch the current move. The ideas emerging in kitchens, baths and home design today often trace the channels where tomorrow’s product expectations and project requests begin to flow.

So with the theme of adaption in mind, here’s the most pressing question for independent hardware retailers: What shape is your business taking right now?

Every operation, like Power Townsend and NHS: Concept to Commerce, evolves. Some changes feel incremental—a category reset, a pro program adjustment, a layout tweak. Others reshape the core—a design center, a new distribution relationship, a technology platform. Power Townsend did it across generations. Independent retailers do it daily, often without fanfare. The current always keeps moving, and the shape of adaptation determines whether change redirects and diffuses that current—or strengthens it. n

butAmazing TRUE

HARDWARE STORIES

On a day we were unloading our delivery, I decided I could move four or five stacks of heavy wrenches and hand tools by myself. Then the phone started ringing, and no one was answering it. Trying to multitask, I rounded a corner toward the phone with what I believed was confidence but turned out to be just blind speed. The stack tipped, then . . . The loudest crash I’ve ever heard. The sound stopped the entire store cold. Somewhere in the wreckage, a little girl walked up and asked, “Can I help you pick it up?” We’re still finding wrenches in random places. The kicker: Of course the phone stopped ringing right after the tool spill.

Cam Radmall

Santaquin Ace Hardware

Santaquin, Utah

The Retail Sourcing Show.

How’s Business?

EAST

How were sales and customer counts in 2025?

Down. We’re down 3 percent from the previous year. Some local businesses have closed, and we’re in a small town of about 5,000 people. But we’re also the only hardware store in about 15 miles.

What sold well in 2025?

We brought in a lot of Milwaukee tools and those really took off. We set up 20 feet of Milwaukee and were really happy with it.

What’s unique about your business? Our customer service. I’ve been doing this for 40 years, so it’s been all teamwork over the years. Right now, we have employees to help serve our customers and give them a good experience when they’re in the store.

Best niches? Our paint department is really strong. We have Valspar and Cabot that customers keep coming in for.

What are your plans for 2026?

I’m building a new store across the street on land that used to have an IGA. We’re hoping to open by the middle of

Above: Willsborough Hardware in Willsboro, N.Y., reflects the store’s seasonal spirit, with fall décor and Halloween touches welcoming customers.

Right: Mark LaFountain says customer service remains the defining strength at Willsborough Hardware, where a handson team approach has supported local customers for more than four decades.

2027. We’re bringing in more products from each line and expanding from 3,000 square feet to 8,000. We’re also going to put in an indoor lumberyard.

Mark LaFountain

Willsborough Hardware

Willsboro, N.Y.

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HOW’S BUSINESS?

CENTRAL

How were sales and customer counts in 2025?

Sales were level, maybe down a few months. Customer counts, probably the same thing. We need new housing so people want to come in and work in the factories. We’re in the northwest corner of Ohio, and local folks are working on adding housing.

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What’s unique about your business? People come in and say “You stock stuff that I don’t think other people have.” That’s why they come back. We’ve been here for 37 years; my parents started it. Contractors make up about 25 percent to 35 percent of our business. Industrial is probably about the same percentage, and the rest are do-it-yourselfers.

Best niches? We sell a lot of paint. Our customer service, screen repair and key cutting gets people in. Our employees also draw customers.

Welcome to the Hardware Connection Century Club!

The Hardware Connection Century Club, sponsored by the NHS Concept to Commerce, recognizes “The Innovators and Survivors Who Helped Build America.” Our Century Club currently includes 804 hardware and LBM retailers, 21 wholesalers and 207 manufacturers that were founded in the United States of America and remain in business after 100 or more years.

You can find the complete list of Century Club members including old store photos and links to company history by clicking here. We congratulate the following retailers who have been added to the Hardware Connection Century Club this past year:

Andrew Posey & Son Hardware, Jasper, AL—1924

Bourassa True Value Hardware, New Bedford, MA—1924

Bowling’s Feed and Hardware, Catlettsburg, KY—1924

Braun Building Center, Manitowoc, WI—1905

Carl Eliason & Company Lumber & Hardware, Sayner, WI—1924

Chairtown Lumber Company, Gardner, MA—1924

Clark Devon Hardware, Chicago, IL—1924

Congleton Lumber, Lexington, KY—1905

Denver Lumber Company, Denver, CO—1923

Gennett Lumber Company, Fletcher, NC—1901

Guy C. Lee Building Materials, Smithfield, NC—1924

Hamilton Building Supply, Hamilton, NJ—1924

Heller Lumber Company, Arlington Heights, IL—1924

Holman Supply Company, Moultrie, GA—1920

Howell Hardware, Millville, NJ—1924

Hunter’s Hardware, Berkley Spring, WV—1870

H&W Hardware, New York, NY—1924

HOW’S BUSINESS?

We have some who have been here a long time, and customers know them and ask for them by name. They’re all knowledgeable—we have a retired electrician, for example. We can help people figure out their problems.

Second-generation owner Steve Donaldson and his wife, Alisa, continue to build on a 37-year family legacy by focusing on hardto-find products, knowledgeable service and niche strengths such as paint, screen repair and key cutting that keep customers coming back.

What are your plans for 2026? We’re going to do the in-store update, definitely expand, get rid of the stuff that doesn’t sell. Like Ace recommends, we’ve just got to spend money to make money. We really haven’t updated in three decades. We’re going to refresh, update the store. So that will create a stir in the community; people want to come and see what’s going on.

Steve Donaldson Donaldson’s Ace Hardware Bryan, Ohio

SOUTH

How were sales and customer counts in 2025? Better than 2024 but everything’s still down. Hopefully this year’s going to be a little better. We got to get interest rates down and get people back building. We’re very farmer-oriented, and farmers are struggling. When they’re struggling, everybody struggles.

What’s unique about your business? We’re a hardware store and lumber company, and we also do construction. There’s not a lot of places out there that still do that. We build houses, do remodels. I bought the company three and a half years ago, but I’ve worked there for 22 years now.

Best niches? We do a little bit of everything.

What are your plans for 2026? We’re just trying to keep it afloat right now.

Wes

Williford Williford Lumber Co. Cleveland, Miss.

WEST

How were sales and customer counts in 2025? Great. We’re up with everything. There’s new construction and a lot of young families coming in. We’re the only hardware store open on Sunday in our area, and we don’t have any big-box stores close to us, so that also helps.

What sold well in 2025? Milwaukee did really well for us, especially during the buy-more,

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HOW’S BUSINESS?

save-more promotion. As far as new products, we brought in AWA water jugs and they moved fast, which surprised us since we’re in a pretty rural area. Joybees shoes were another new product we added that did well.

What’s unique about your business? We’re big on training and using our team. We don’t have cashiers or people stuck in specific departments—everybody has the opportunity to learn everything, and everybody does everybody’s job. When they get hired, they go through a series of trainings; then we ask what they’re interested in and build on that.

We teach everyone how to do paint, run the register, lawn and garden— everything. We’ve got an assistant manager, I handle training, and we have a general manager. The three of us coordinate the store, but there’s no real hierarchy among the rest of the team. They all work together well, whether they’re teenagers or in their twenties, forties or fifties.

Best niches? Grilling and grilling accessories. Every month we host a barbecue, no matter the weather. And every time Traeger County pops up, we got a whole line coming out. We also do a lot of Stihl outdoor power equipment repair.

POS Solution

Join us for this important recognition program that honors the best of the best dealers who represent the future of the industry. The Beacon Awards are held annually at Independent Home Improvement Conference and are presented by Hardware Connection magazine. The IHI Conference will be held July 28-30, 2026 in Orlando, FL. For more information about attending this event along with all other educational seminars, open floor discussions and social activities at the 2026 IHI Conference, visit www.ihiconference.org . Sponsors:

HOW’S BUSINESS?

What are your plans for 2026? We’re excited about the garden center area for our store. We’ve got a lot of good ideas that they don’t offer in the garden place, but we’re going to be able to integrate what they have and what we have. The garden area is our biggest plan this year.

Cam Radmall

Santaquin Ace Hardware

Santaquin, Utah

Above: Monthly grill days bring customers together at Santaquin Ace Hardware, highlighting the store’s strong focus on grilling and barbecue accessories.

Right: Training plays a central role at Santaquin Ace Hardware, where Cam Radmall helps lead a team-first approach that gives every employee the opportunity to learn all areas of the store and work across roles.

By Doug Donaldson

IN HELENA, MONTANA, THE WALL FAMILY LEADS POWER TOWNSEND COMPANY WITH A CONSULTATIVE APPROACH ROOTED IN HISTORY AND FOCUSED ON SUPPORTING PROJECTS FROM START TO FINISH.

ower Townsend Company in Helena moves through Montana’s story like a river flows through the landscapes of Big Sky Country.

You can trace where a river has been by the ground it shaped long ago—former beds, worn banks and the channels that once carried freight and life across the territory. Hardware Connection Century Club member Power Townsend has left a similar historic imprint. Founded in 1867 at Fort Benton—before Montana achieved statehood and when steamboats carried goods up the Missouri River—the business began as part of a supply network that stretched

SHAPED BY THE CURRENT P

Power Townsend vice president Kevin Wall (left) and his father, CEO and owner Mike Wall, lead with a consultative approach that keeps the store involved with projects from the first material order through final décor selections.

SPONSORED BY:

COVER FEATURE

With about 70 employees, Power Townsend reflects more than a century of growth. Its 70,000-square-foot facility and five-acre lumberyard support both builders and homeowners.

across Montana and north into Canada. That system connected settlements through trading posts and stores positioned along emerging communities.

Over time, that current carried the company inland. The course of the business shifted as markets changed, and the Wall family became part of that flow when Mike Wall’s grandfather joined the company in 1920. In 1942, the family acquired the operation and continued guiding its path through decades of transition.

Today, that course runs through Helena, the state capital.

Like a river that settles into a valley and begins shaping what grows along its banks, Power Townsend has cultivated its customer base through a consultative approach. Contractors and homeowners enter with plans and move through the store with guidance across project stages—from structural materials to finishing selections.

THE FLOW OF THE BUILD

Power Townsend built its reputation by staying involved in a project from start to finish.

Contractors walk in with plans and begin by sourcing materials tied to the build. As those jobs progress, the conversations shift along with the work. Rather than customers seeking answers elsewhere, the process continues inside the store. Along the way, customers work with multiple Power Townsend team members who specialize in different aspects of the process, each stepping in where their knowledge applies, including paint, lighting and finish selections. And contractors regularly bring homeowners back to make choices on cabinetry, flooring, appliances and fixtures.

“We get more face time with the customers and help them choose the décor they want,” Wall says. “We’re really part of a contractor’s team as we help customers and guide the project.”

That continuity keeps early material decisions tied to the finishes that follow, allowing projects to move forward with alignment from one phase to the next. Over time, this consultative approach—in which the store helps interpret plans and guide selections— has shaped how Power Townsend operates, supporting builds from the first materials through the choices that complete them.

A COOPERATIVE CONNECTION

Supporting that level of customer involvement requires access to product and planning resources that align with the way projects move through the store.

Power Townsend’s affiliation with Do it Best dates to 1998, when the cooperative merged with Minnesotabased Our Own Hardware, bringing the Helena retailer into the network. (“That was a great move,” Wall says.) Ever since, the relationship has played a role in how the store sources inventory, plans its floor space and expands into new categories.

Operating in a geographically remote market places added importance on steady supply, Wall says. Power Townsend receives two deliveries each week through the cooperative’s distribution system, enabling the store to maintain the range of materials and finishes that support contractor-driven projects.

“They get the price right on merchandise and get us merchandise,” Wall says.

The relationship with the co-op also influenced the development of the

Power Townsend traces its origins to 1867 along the Missouri River, when freight and mercantile operations supplied materials to a rapidly expanding frontier.

store’s design center. During its planning phase, Do it Best’s design team worked alongside Power Townsend for nearly a year, helping determine how cabinetry, appliances and décor categories would be organized and integrated. Buying decisions continue to be shaped through market shows, where Wall and his team evaluate products in person and speak directly with vendors about sourcing and fit within their operation. Through these ongoing connections, Power Townsend aligns its inventory and merchandising decisions with the needs of contractors and homeowners working through longer-term builds.

TODAY’S OPERATION, TOMORROW’S CAPACITY

Power Townsend’s Helena operation functions as a working yard and retail environment built around project flow that supports sales across departments.

COVER FEATURE

The 70,000-square-foot facility sits on a 25-acre site that supports walk-in traffic and contractor activity. Drivethrough access allows builders to load materials directly, while indoor departments coordinate across lumber, electrical, paint and finishing categories. Multiple specialists operate within each area, stepping into conversations as projects progress and different expertise becomes relevant.

The business maintains approximately 4,000 active accounts, with a core group of contractors driving a significant share of project activity. Relationships often extend beyond material sourcing, including coordination around timelines and, in some cases, financial support tied to construction. “There have been times we’ll finance construction and pay subcontractors until they sell the house,” Wall says.

Above: A space for collaboration among homeowners, contractors and Power Townsend staff, the company’s 10,000-square-foot design center is a natural spot in which to plan projects from start to finish.

Left: A Power Townsend delivery truck loaded with lumber heads out to a job site of one of the company’s network of about 4,000 active contractor accounts.

At any given time, the company may work with as few as five or as many as 40 contractors through such arrangements, supporting project continuity as homes move toward completion.

Looking ahead, Power Townsend is preparing for additional growth tied to housing development in the region.

Recent land acquisition provides capacity for unloading railcars and supports plans for future truss and wall panel production in East Helena. The expansion would be paired with a smaller retail presence designed to serve new construction activity in that area. The move aligns with broader regional trends—recent Census estimates show

Helena added about 360 residents between 2023 and 2024, while neighboring East Helena recorded growth rates above 5 percent, making it one of Montana’s faster-growing small communities.

As new homes continue to be built, the company’s focus remains on aligning its facilities and services with the needs of builders throughout the

region. Like a river that shifts course as the landscape changes, Power Townsend continues to move with the needs of the market it serves—steady in its direction and mindful of what it carries forward after more than 150 years in business.

“No pressure,” Wall says with a smile, “but we want to keep the business, so we change with the times.” n

10 DESIGN CENTER

TIPS FROM POWER TOWNSEND

Power Townsend’s 10,000-squarefoot design center, added during a 2010 remodel, brings cabinetry, flooring, appliances and lighting together in one dedicated space. The addition reflects a shift toward supporting projects beyond materials, giving contractors and homeowners a place to make finish selections as part of the building process rather than elsewhere.

Here are pointers Power Townsend owner Mike Wall shares with other home improvement retailers who may be exploring adding a design center.

1. Begin with cabinetry and vanities before expanding categories.

2. Flooring is a natural next step in décor offerings.

3. Expand displays gradually (Power Townsend grew from 16 feet to 60 feet of appliances).

4. Position the showroom to be visible from the store entrance to increase engagement.

5. Provide touch-and-feel displays.

6. Use design software such as 2020 Design for cabinetry layouts.

7. Include knobs, countertops and lighting to complete selections.

8. Staff relatability supports décor decision making.

9. Encourage contractor participation in customer selections.

10. Treat the space as a collaboration environment for project decisions.

12 HOT TRENDS SHAPING TODAY’S HOMES

By Kathryn Emery

HIGHLIGHTS FROM DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION WEEK,

IBS

AND

KBIS

SHOW HOW HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAILERS CAN MEET EVOLVING CUSTOMER NEEDS.

Design & Construction Week once again proved to be the ultimate crystal ball regarding our homes. Spanning the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., this year’s event spotlighted smarter living, timeless materials that look good and are built to last, wellness upgrades for the mind and body, and design details that simplify everyday life.

Across the massive exhibit space— the size of 17 football fields—one theme stood out: Today’s homes are designed to work harder, last longer and feel more personal than ever. At IBS and KBIS, I focused on product trends that already or will soon translate into practical retail opportunities for hardware stores. The

following dozen trends, with many more product examples, reflect evolving customer needs and what hardware retailers should look to incorporate.

TREND 1: SMART LIVING INTEGRATES WITH WINDOW BLINDS

Smart home technology is becoming quieter and more intuitive. Simple tasks such as opening blinds with voice

GE Lighting Smart Shades

“ STONE-INSPIRED TILE IS ON-TREND FOR STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITY. ”

assistants are increasingly attainable at every price; they’re also a DIY project for just about any homeowner. Consider GE Lighting Smart Shades, which integrate seamlessly with platforms like Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home. With screw-free installation and clean aluminum frames, they offer automated privacy, energy efficiency and modern style without tech overload.

TREND 2: WHOLE-PROPERTY VISIBILITY MOVES TOWARD UNIFIED CONTROL

Monitoring the home is shifting toward integrated visibility, as homeowners seek fewer devices that deliver broader awareness. Products such as Honeywell Home X8S reflect this trend by combining HVAC oversight, indoor air quality tracking and live video from compatible doorbells into a single

interface. At the same time, expanded visual coverage from solutions such as Ring Elite 360 View, with its multilens panoramic perspective, points to growing interest in whole-property awareness with fewer blind spots. Together, these innovations highlight a move toward centralized insight that connects comfort, safety and performance across the home.

TREND 3: STONE-INSPIRED TEXTURES MOVE INSIDE

Stone is the most durable building material, period, and walking into Daltile’s booth, it was clear these are not your grandma’s boring tiles! Daltile’s newest collections feature large-format slabs, rich textures and stone-inspired looks that balance durability with highend style. Perfect for kitchens, baths and outdoor spaces, these surfaces anchor today’s most stylish homes.

Ring Elite 360 View

Daltile stone-inspired tile

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

TREND 5: HANDS-FREE FUNCTIONALITY

Bathroom innovation continues to center on touchless operation and integrated comfort, as homeowners seek fixtures that bring automation and hygiene into everyday use. Products such as KBIS Best of Show finalist Coit Smart Bidet Toilet reflect this shift, with features such as motion-activated lids, automatic flushing and heated seating. It has even earned the nickname “the marriage saver” for its touchless kick plate that opens and closes the lid. Streamlined installation extends such upgrades beyond custom builds into more everyday projects.

TREND 6: GARAGES TO LIVING SPACES

Garages are evolving into home gyms, offices and studios. Clopay’s Avante door with Smart Glass enables homeowners to switch from clear to opaque glass at the touch of a button, instantly controlling light and privacy. The sleek, wirefree design built into the durable aluminum frame makes it easy to turn a garage into a true extension of the home. This product was a 2025 IBS Best in Show winner, and when you see it you’ll see why—unless the glass is set to opaque, of course. Then you just need the remote control to click it to clear.

TREND 7: MAINTENANCE-FREE NATURAL LOOKS GAIN GROUND

Natural materials remain a favorite, but homeowners want beauty without maintenance. Tando’s Beach House Shake is an example, offering the

Coit Smart Bidet Toilet

Clopay’s Avante door with Smart Glass

Tando’s Beach House Shake

classic look of cedar shingles but with durable composite technology. Each shingle features realistic texture and variation, offering lasting curb appeal that won’t fade, crack or weather. Not long ago, decking went through a transition into composite materials; siding now follows suit.

TREND 8: POWER ACCESS: IT’S NOT A PLUG, IT’S A FEATURE

Interior design is extending its focus to the smallest functional elements,

as everyday fixtures take on greater aesthetic importance. Legrand’s introduction of fast-charging USB-A and USB-C outlets, pop-up countertop solutions and decorative wall plates from its “adorne collection” reflects this shift. As utility continues to integrate with visual style, power access points are becoming intentional design features.

TREND 9: PERSONALIZED LIVING MEETS EMBEDDED INTELLIGENCE

The IBS/KBIS floor showcased several examples of home design advancing toward environments that reflect individual taste while integrating seamless technology. Offerings such as LG Tailored Collection appliances and Brizo Kintsu fixtures highlight growing flexibility in finishes and

Brizo Kintsu fixtures

Legrand fastcharging USB-A and USB-C outlets

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Kohler SpaViva’s in-shower facial and cleansing system

components, while bold expression through True Residential Refrigerators signals renewed appetite for color and visual identity in daily-use spaces. At the same time, embedded connectivity from products such as GE Profile Smart Wall Ovens illustrates how personalization now extends beyond appearance to include intelligent functionality.

TREND 10: HOME BATHROOMS EMBRACE SPA-QUALITY WELLNESS

Bathrooms continue to evolve into wellness spaces. Kohler SpaViva’s in-shower facial and cleansing system highlights the growing demand for self-care built into everyday routines. Expect to see self-care at home continue to gain prominence.

GE Profile Compact Dishwasher

TREND 11: BIG CAPABILITY EXPECTED IN SMALL-SPACE APPLIANCES

Efficiency and sustainability remain top of mind in product design. One example from IBS: the space-andwater-saving GE Profile Compact Dishwasher, with options designed for under-sink or countertop installation. Other features customers look for include antimicrobial protection and double-drawer washing efficiency.

Carrier’s Performance Series Next-Gen Air Handler

TREND 12: PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN SYSTEMS SHAPE FUTURE-READY HOMES

Building innovation is increasingly centered on integrated performance, as structural systems and mechanical solutions work together to support efficiency and resilience. Products such as the Construx Framing System reflect a move toward precision-engineered construction that improves durability and streamlines labor, while Carrier’s Performance Series Next-Gen Air Handler point to rising demand for electrification-ready, energy-smart HVAC systems. Together, they illustrate a broader trend toward homes built from the inside out for strength, efficiency and long-term adaptability. n

Kathryn Emery is a home improvement and lifestyle expert with more than 20 years’ experience sharing practical home solutions and product insights. She has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “Inside Edition” and “The Doctors,” and is the creator of BeTheBestHome.com.

RETAILER2RETAILER

DIY POS ADVENTURE

By Jeremy Peterson

WHY I WAS AN IDIOT FOR BUILDING MY OWN POS SYSTEM—AND WHY MORE INDEPENDENT HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAILERS SHOULD NOW CONSIDER DOING THE SAME.

Jeremy Peterson, owner of Family Hardware in Florida, built his own POS system after deciding existing options no longer fit his business needs. Three years later, he calls it one of the best decisions he’s made.

Now that I have your attention, let me give the situation some context. It was 2021, and we had decided to open a brand-new, ground-up store. The plan was to open with our POS provider at the time, but we met a surprising amount of resistance. Unfortunately, our

software version was no longer being supported, and the other options just did not fit our business needs.

Our website at the time for our South Florida stores (familyhardware. com) was a WordPress production with a simple shopping cart plug-in. Even so, revenue on our site was nearly half a million dollars and growing. Imagine a system with hundreds of patchworked processes, in which one single failure meant everything else failed. That was our site. Part of this patchwork was our POS integration. We were able to display on-hand inventory and do a slew of other things by directly interacting with the database. It was not pretty, but it worked.

Realizing the website was maxed out, we had decided to start coding our own solution, something that could handle all our pain points and business logic with ease. We still required direct access to our POS data, though—and that’s when the lightbulb turned on.

Our thought process was that the new store was about 12 months out, so why not just bolt a POS system onto what we had already built for the website? How hard could that be, right? Extraordinarily hard, it turns out. Two months in, we scrapped the whole thing and started from scratch. I’d gone all-in on the latest and greatest tech, the kind of stuff that makes sense only if you’re Amazon or Google. Eventually I had to admit that my excitement about using these technologies was outweighing

Family Hardware during one of the most chaotic moments in the store’s history: in the wake of damage from Hurricane Ian, with cellular-powered tablets and a custom-built POS.

any real need we had for them, and it was making everything way more complicated than it had to be.

Fast-forward to two weeks before our soft opening. We finally had a fully functional, albeit extremely strippeddown, POS system. It met our basic requirements: taking in cash and credit cards, charging house accounts, printing receipts and tracking inventory. Being a new location, we had a grace period while building up the business to work out bugs and add features. The final transition occurred for us about six months after the initial launch at our new location. Our original store had been nearly destroyed by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. With our inventory half trashed and no power to the building, we made the choice at that moment to switch our existing location.

RETAILER2RETAILER

So with a few cellular-powered tablets, we were able to launch and stay operational through one of the most chaotic times in our store’s history.

It has been three years now, and I can say it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made. There was certainly doubt along the way, and plenty of head-scratching from my peers. But we now have our own platform that is fully customizable and lightning-fast for us to implement features.

A NEW MOMENT FOR RETAIL TECH

I decided to write this piece because now, more than ever, the scenario I describe is possible for anyone in our industry. The timing for us could not have been better, and it was all luck. With the onset of AI, our development costs have gone down nearly 90 percent. Features we once had to weigh against the cost of developing are now solved and launched as fast as we can prompt and test. In the past three months since we incorporated Anthropic’s Claude Code into both our website and point of sale, we’ve launched more features and enhancements than we did in the previous three years, and we see no slowdown to this trend.

I don’t think this article would have been appropriate three years ago—the investment both in money and time would have been too great and barely

Family Hardware’s Jeremy Peterson says constant workarounds and third-party patches are often the clearest sign a retailer has outgrown their POS system.

feasible. That gap has now closed substantially and is closing more every month. As independent retailers, we now for the first time have tools at our disposal that can help us level the playing field against the big boxes and e-commerce giants. Am I suggesting you drop everything and get to work on your own POS system? Absolutely not (though you could). But I am suggesting that any initiatives or ideas you might have thought far-fetched even a year ago, revisit them immediately— because right now, more than at any time in our industry’s history, anything is possible. n

Jeremy Peterson is the owner of Family Hardware, with stores in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, Fla. He serves on the board of the North American Hardware and Paint Association.

6 WAYS TO MAKE SMARTER TECHNOLOGY DECISIONS IN YOUR STORE

Jeremy Peterson decided to build his own POS platform at Family Hardware after years of evaluating systems, weighing costs and thinking long-term. His experience offers practical guidance for independent owners navigating major technology decisions.

1. Start with the value proposition. If a vendor promises efficiency, quantify it. How much payroll will it save? How much more will your team accomplish? If the pitch centers on sales growth, ask how and where those gains will materialize. When the numbers aren’t clear, instinct still plays a role—but the premise should always be measurable.

2. Recognize when you’ve outgrown your system. Frequent workarounds are a warning sign. If staff regularly rely on spreadsheets, third-party apps or manual processes to fill gaps in your POS, the system may no longer fit your operation. At the same time, many retailers use only a fraction of their system’s capabilities. Make sure you’ve fully explored what you already have before assuming it’s time to switch.

3. Ask about alignment and longevity. Before signing or renewing, confirm whether the POS provider is a preferred vendor of

your co-op or buying group. Review the company’s feature road map. For smaller providers, understand their five- to ten-year business plan. Stability matters. Relationships matter. Long-term direction matters.

4. Think in decades, not quarters. A POS decision resembles buying a home. It shapes operations for 15 to 20 years or more. The most expensive system may create long-term savings. The cheapest option may introduce hidden costs. Evaluate the total life cycle impact, not just the upfront investment.

5. Consider scalability from the outset. Peterson’s long-term goal is growth beyond a single location. By building for scale, his company positioned itself to add stores with minimal incremental software costs. Technology that supports expansion can compound its return over time.

6. Leverage AI to lower the barrier. Peterson believes artificial intelligence has dramatically reduced development costs and shortened implementation timelines. For retailers willing to learn and experiment, the technology barrier has narrowed significantly. Time and execution are now the bigger constraints.

Q&A: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

NHS: Concept to Commerce expands beyond finished goods, bringing global manufacturers, private label partners and sourcing solution providers into one environment for earlier-stage retail planning.

A RESTRUCTURED NHS: CONCEPT TO COMMERCE RECONFIGURES THE SHOW FLOOR AND EXPANDS STRATEGY SESSIONS FOR A BROADER VISION OF HOW RETAILERS DISCOVER, SOURCE AND GROW.

As the hardware marketplace grows more complex, the National Hardware Show is repositioning itself to reflect how retailers source, differentiate and plan today. Under its new Concept to Commerce format, the show expands beyond finished product discovery to connect retailers with global manufacturers, private label partners, inventors and

A NEW NHS

sourcing solution providers—all within a more structured layout. Lauren Csire, marketing director for NHS, says the shift responds to retailers who are thinking earlier in the product life cycle, seeking greater margin control, diversified supply chains and faster speed to market. In this exclusive interview, Csire shares what retailers can expect at this year’s show, held from March 31 to April 2 in Las Vegas.

BLUEPRINT

Hardware Connection: The National Hardware Show has long been known as a productdriven event. What is the vision behind the new Concept to Commerce format, and what problem is it designed to solve?

Lauren Csire: For nearly 80 years, NHS has been where the industry gathers to discover new products. That foundation remains firmly in place. The

Brand Pavilion continues to showcase established suppliers and new product launches, ensuring that retailers can source retail-ready assortments for the seasons ahead.

NHS: Concept to Commerce builds on that legacy while addressing how retail operates today. Buying finished goods is still essential, but it’s only one part of the equation. NHS: Concept to Commerce brings together brands,

Q&A: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

global manufacturers, private label partners, inventors and sourcing solution providers in one environment.

For retailers who have attended in the past, what will feel different?

The most noticeable difference is structure and focus. The show floor is now organized into purpose-built pavilions: Brand Pavilion, Global Manufacturing & Private Label Pavilion, Inventor Pavilion and the Global Exchange. This makes it easier for retailers to navigate by objective. Whether the goal is finding new brands, exploring exclusive products or evaluating manufacturing partners, the experience is more intentional.

The education program has also expanded. The Expert Talks Conference on March 31 focuses on practical retail strategy, including AI in procurement and forecasting, private label growth, supply chain diversification, regulatory updates and consumer trend forecasting. Sessions are designed to provide actionable insight retailers can bring back to their teams.

How does the Concept to Commerce approach better connect product discovery with real-world retail execution?

Independent retailers need more than inspiration. They need products

COMPLIMENTARY

PASS FOR HARDWARE CONNECTION READERS

Independent retailers can register for a complimentary Exhibit Hall pass using code NHSTHC by visiting nhs26.com/ THC .

Qualified attendees may also apply for the Hosted VIP Program , which includes hotel accommodations, travel stipends, VIP lounge access and curated supplier introductions.

NHS: Concept to Commerce takes place March 31 to April 2, 2026, in Las Vegas. Register here

that sell, partners they can rely on and assortments that set them apart. NHS Concept to Commerce connects discovery with execution by giving retailers visibility beyond the finished product. In the Brand Pavilion, they can evaluate retail-ready lines and new launches. In the Inventor Pavilion, they can spot emerging ideas before they become widely distributed. For those looking to go a step further, the Global Manufacturing & Private Label Pavilion shows where and how products are made, along with opportunities for exclusive or customized programs. Retailers who want differentiation or expanded margin options can explore those conversations, while others can

focus purely on product discovery. The education program adds practical context, with sessions on pricing, consumer trends and merchandising strategy. Retailers leave not just with product ideas, but with a clearer plan for how those products fit into their stores.

The hardware marketplace evolves quickly. How is NHS adapting its programming and exhibitor mix?

Three shifts are shaping NHS 2026. First, private label continues to grow. Retailers want more control over differentiation and margin. The show has expanded participation from contract manufacturers and private label suppliers to support that demand.

Second, supply chains are diversifying. Interest in Mexico, Vietnam, India and other manufacturing regions

The restructured show floor organizes exhibitors into purpose-built pavilions— including Brand, Global Manufacturing & Private Label, Inventor and the Global Exchange—allowing retailers to navigate by objective rather than aisle.

continues to rise. NHS brings international suppliers together in one place so retail teams can explore options efficiently.

Third, technology is changing procurement and forecasting. The Expert Talks program addresses how retailers can apply AI and digital tools in practical ways.

The exhibitor mix now reflects a broader ecosystem that includes sourcing, compliance, packaging and logistics alongside finished brands.

How are you ensuring that established brands and emerging innovators have a platform?

Q&A: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

The floor plan was intentionally designed to balance both. The Brand Pavilion highlights established suppliers launching new lines. The Inventor Pavilion and New Product Displays spotlight early-stage concepts. The Manufacturing & Private Label Pavilion showcases production capability and customization. Retailers can evaluate products at multiple stages of development and choose where they want to engage.

What will retailers gain that they can’t get from distributor markets or digital sourcing tools?

Distributor markets play an important role. However, they typically operate downstream. NHS operates earlier in the cycle. Retailers can meet factories directly, explore private label capabilities, compare international suppliers side by side and build relationships beyond transactional buying. They can also gain education on compliance, sourcing strategy and consumer trends in the same trip. Digital tools cannot replace face-to-face benchmarking or in-depth capability discussions. Retailers leave with new supplier relationships, fresh product ideas and a clearer sourcing strategy.

As the industry navigates consolidation and technology shifts, what role do live events like NHS play?

Live events create a shared space for the entire channel. Independent retailers, co-ops, distributors, manufacturers, inventors and global factories all gather in one environment. In a consolidated market, that neutral ground matters. Relationships still drive this industry. In-person conversations allow retailers to explore strategy, build trust and identify opportunities that may

The expanded Expert Talks Conference adds practical sessions on AI in procurement, supply chain diversification, private label growth and consumer trends, designed to translate show-floor discovery into store-level execution.

not surface through structured buying programs alone.

Looking ahead three to five years, how do you see hardware industry events evolving?

Industry events need to deliver more than product discovery. They need to provide strategy, sourcing intelligence, curated matchmaking

and education that directly affects business performance. Retailers expect efficiency. The most successful events compress months of research and travel into a few highly productive days. That’s the direction of NHS Concept to Commerce. It brings global sourcing, innovation and retail strategy together in one focused environment. n

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2026 BEACON AWARDS

Across the country, independent hardware retailers are solving problems, building stronger stores and serving their communities in creative ways. The 2026 Beacon Awards, presented by Hardware Connection, will recognize the retailers whose work stands out. Winners will be recognized at the Independent Home Improvement Conference, July 29-30,

The 2025 Beacon Award winners gather with award sponsors during last year’s ceremony.

at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

In addition to the Beacon Awards, the event will offer independent hardware retailers opportunities to network, share ideas and attend breakout sessions about better business practices. Introduced in 2013, the Beacon Awards recognize the best of the best independent hardware and home improvement retailers across

Beacon Award recipients will be honored at the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

the country while encouraging a new generation of retailers to make their mark in the industry.

Do it Best and Orgill are wholesale sponsors of the Beacon Awards. Other 2026 sponsors include Epicor Software, Ettore Products, Fluidmaster and WD-40.

For each participating wholesaler, the 2026 Beacon Awards will honor the Retail Beacon Award winners and Best New Stores. The Retail Beacon Award is a lifetime achievement award for a retailer or company. The Best New Stores category honors existing retailers opening a branch store or a newcomer opening a ground-up business. Recipients of these awards

represent the cutting-edge future of the industry.

DIGITAL

DIGITAL BEACON AWARDS RETURN WITH MORE ONLINE ACCOLADES

Sponsored by WD-40, the Digital Beacon Awards honor hardware stores and home improvement centers that excel in digital marketing, engagement and innovation. Recognizing creativity and effectiveness in the digital space, these awards highlight excellence

BEACON AWARDS

in categories such as Best Social Media Campaign, Best Website or E-commerce Experience, Most Innovative Digital Engagement, Outstanding Community Engagement and Top Digital Advertising Campaign.

The highest honor, the Beacon Award for Digital Excellence, will be presented to the single best overall submission at the Independent Home Improvement Conference. Nominations are open through May 1, 2026, for digital initiatives launched between May 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026. Submit nominations by visiting Hardware Connection’ s Digital Beacon Awards nomination page, where you’ll provide a brief description and relevant links.

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MAY 1

The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2026. Retailers can nominate their own stores, and nominations are accepted from wholesalers and sponsors.

For the Retail Beacon Award and Best New Store Award, judging will be based on the following criteria: financial performance (sales, profits, margins);

Beacon Award winners receive an allexpenses-paid trip for two to attend the ceremony at the J.W. Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla.

community involvement; store design; merchandising displays; promotion activities; specialized product areas or niches; employee training and recognition programs; and innovative retailing concepts.

Best New Store nominees must have been open at least one year to a maximum of four years. The store could be one built to replace another destroyed by natural disaster, or it can be a new branch store. Nominated stores must feature all the core departments: electrical, hardware, lawn and garden, plumbing, paint and tools.

The Digital Beacon Awards will be evaluated by a Hardware Connection team of digital influencers and the staff and will be based on engagement, campaign and post results and creativity.

Wholesale Sponsors:

DIGITAL

The 2026 Beacon Awards will be held at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla. Honorees will receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference including conference registration, airfare, ground transportation, hotel and meals. They will also receive a Beacon Award trophy and be featured in an article in Hardware Connection magazine.

EMAIL NOMINATION INFORMATION

To nominate a store, please include detailed information for each of the judging criteria, attach any relevant pictures, list the date of new store opening and also provide retailer name, store name, square footage, address, phone number and email address. Email nominations by the May 1, 2026, deadline to editor Doug Donaldson at doug@thehardwareconnection.com . n

2025 BEACON AWARD WINNERS

Each year, the Beacon Awards recognize independent hardware retailers whose ideas, leadership and service stand out across the industry. Here are the 2025 Beacon Award winners:

RETAIL BEACON AWARD

Randy Andes — Randy’s Hardware , Ruckersville, Virginia

Peter Grebeck — Peter’s True Value Hardware , Milford, Michigan

Theisen Family — Theisen’s , Dubuque, Iowa

BEACON AWARD FOR BEST NEW STORE

3 Sons Hardware True Value — Big Lake, Minnesota

Coulee Hardware — Grand Coulee, Washington

Matt’s Building Materials — Pharr, Texas

BEACON AWARD FOR DIGITAL EXCELLENCE

Sullivan Hardware & Garden — Indianapolis, Indiana

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 2026

Blish-Mize Spring Customer Buying Market

March 19-21, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, Kan.

NLBMDA Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference

March 17-18, Washington, D.C.

NHS: Concept to Commerce

March 31–April 2, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev.

PACOA Spring Dealer Market

March 21-22, Queens College, Flushing, N.Y.

APRIL 2026

National Home Performance Conference & Trade Show

April 13-16, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio

Wallace Distribution Dealer Market 2026

April 1-2, Sevierville Events Center, Sevierville, Tenn.

MAY 2026

HDA Group Merchandising Conference

May 4-7, Embassy Suites Downtown Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Ga.

Orgill Summer Buying Event

May 4-18

JULY 2026

Independent Home Improvement Conference

July 29-30, J.W. Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.

AUGUST 2026

House-Hasson Summer Dealer Market

August 6-8, Wilderness at the Smokies and Sevierville Convention Center, Sevierville, Tenn.

Orgill Fall Buying Event

August 3-16

SEPTEMBER 2026

Ace Hardware Fall 2026 Convention

September 22-24, Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Do it Best, True Value Fall Market

September 25-28, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Ind.

TECH WAVE BUILDS IN BIG BOXES

A flurry of new technology investments from big-box retailers is reshaping how stores operate, offering clues about where the industry may be headed. Recent announcements from Walmart and the Home Depot highlight how large chains are using digital tools to streamline store operations, improve logistics and free employees to focus on customer service.

Walmart recently outlined its growing use of digital shelf labels, which allow price changes and product information to be updated centrally rather than through manual paper tags. The technology reduces repetitive tasks and gives associates more time to assist customers and maintain store standards. It also improves price accuracy and enables faster updates during promotions or markdowns.

At the same time, Home Depot announced a new system designed to track deliveries of large building materials in real time. The technology connects delivery trucks with a mobile application that transmits GPS data, enabling contractors and customers to follow orders on a live map and receive up-tothe-minute updates on delivery progress.

Taken together, the announcements reflect continued investment by major home improvement chains in technology designed to improve store operations and logistics—from automated pricing tools on the sales floor to real-time tracking of deliveries for contractors. Both initiatives focus on reducing manual processes while improving accuracy and visibility across retail and supply chain functions.

The developments also highlight how large retailers continue to test and deploy operational technology that affects pricing, merchandising and job site supply. As these tools roll out across national chains, they offer another example of how technology is reshaping store operations throughout the home improvement retail sector.

IN THE NEWS

Walnutport Ace Hardware

NEW STORES, ACQUISITIONS

• Walnutport Ace Hardware, a 12,000-square-foot store owned by Tim Bracey, opened Feb. 19 in Walnutport, Pa.

• Stewart Family Hardware in Monticello, Ill., hosted a grand opening celebration Feb. 26–March 1.

• Cadiz Hardware in Cadiz, Ky., has been sold by owners Bob and Patti Brame to Bowling Green, Kentucky–based Houchens Food Group, which operates more than 90 Ace Hardware stores; the location is expected to continue operating with minimal changes under the name Cadiz Ace Hardware.

KUDOS

• Florence Hardware in Florence, Mass., is marking its 40th year in business in 2026.

• Coltrain Hardware and Garden Center in Ayden, N.C., recently celebrated the grand opening of its

Coltrain Hardware and Garden Center

garden center with a ribbon-cutting event and community gathering.

• Ace Hardware recognized seven companies as its 2025 Vendors of the Year, citing their product innovation, operational support and collaboration with independent Ace retailers. Honorees include Flanders, Kohler, QJT, SodaStream, Vanco and Weber, with Warmies named the Ace Foundation Children’s Miracle Network Vendor of the Year. For the full story, see this article.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

• Trex Company announced a planned leadership transition, with president and CEO Bryan Fairbanks set to retire April 28 after nearly 23 years with the company. Executive vice president and chief operating officer Adam Zambanini will succeed Fairbanks as president and CEO on that date.

• ECI Software Solutions named Jack Wood

Bryan Fairbanks

Adam Zambanini

chief technology officer, where he will lead the company’s artificial intelligence development strategy for the hardware industry and oversee platform modernization.

Jack Wood

• QXO announced Taylor Sommer as its new chief sales officer; Sommer brings nearly three decades of experience building and leading sales organizations, including serving as chief sales officer at Republic National Distributing Company.

WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS

• Weber recalled about 3.2 million metal wire-bristle grill brushes on Feb. 26 after reports that bristles can detach, stick to food and pose an ingestion hazard that could lead to serious internal injury. For more information, see the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice.

• GMS Inc. announced it has acquired the assets of Above Interior Distributors Inc., a supplier of specialty acoustical ceiling products serving the Miami-Dade and South Florida market; the business will continue operating under its existing brand as part of GMS Southeast, with founder and president Jesus Valido remaining in leadership.

• Stanley Black & Decker announced it will close its

tape-measure manufacturing facility in New Britain, Conn.

• SRS Distribution Inc. acquired LS Building Products, a wholesale distributor of roofing, lumber, siding, windows and doors based in East Peoria, Ill., with four distribution locations and three production facilities in central Illinois. SRS also acquired Sider Lumber & Supply Co., a Nesconset, N.Y.–based distributor of lumber, decking, roofing, siding, windows and doors founded in 1948; second-generation owner Frank Sider will retire, while thirdgeneration owner Joe Sider will continue to lead the business.

• ABC Supply Co. announced it is streamlining branding across its divisions, renaming its L&W Supply unit ABC Supply Interiors as part of a broader alignment of subsidiaries under the ABC Supply brand.

• Builders FirstSource, headquartered in Irving, Tex., announced a partnership with Blitzy to deploy autonomous software tools aimed at accelerating development of its internal digital systems.

• Metrie, a Vancouver, British Columbia–based manufacturer and distributor of millwork and door products, announced it has acquired BWI Distribution, Louisiana Millwork and Florida Made Door from Owens Corning, expanding its door distribution network in the Eastern United States.

IN THE NEWS

he previously owned and operated Franklin’s True Value Hardware extensive experience with the product. So we recruited d-i-yers to solicit their feedback. Each used FrogTape on multiple surfaces windows, baseboards corners, and everyone was amazed by the clean lines usually only possible with pros. No one had any instance of paint bleed or difficulty removing the tape even after it stayed in place for over a week. If you currently do not stock FrogTape, then bring in a few SKUs of their Pro Grade Painter’s Tape and Pro Grade Orange Painter’s Tape, which offers higher adhesion. ■

• White Cap, a Norcross, Ga.–based distributor of specialty construction supplies and contractor safety products, announced it completed its acquisition of Colony Hardware Orange, Conn., this past February.

FOR THE FULL STORY

• Hardware Connection’s report from the 2026 Do it Best/True Value Spring Market in Denver examines new technology initiatives, market developments and retailer perspec tives — for the full report, read here

• Ace Hardware CEO John Venhuizen emphasized conve nience during the cooperative’s Spring 2026 Convention in Louisville, point ing to expanded delivery partnerships and faster fulfillment as priorities for retailers navigating changing customer expectations. For the full story,