Hardware Connection March 25, 2026

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

WHAT’S DRIVING HOLIDAY SALES IN 2026

In-Depth Dive Into Tape Category Real Regional Business Snapshots

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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 Over time, however, the business had fallen behind, with outdated systems, reduced hours, limited assortments, and a shrinking customer base.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

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

At the Orgill Spring Market, a towering skeleton anchors the display, capturing how seasonal categories connect to projects, drive impulse purchases and create momentum in a hardware store.

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TSHELF LIFE Developing Radar for the Next Skelly

he first time I saw the nowfamous 12-foot Halloween skeleton known as Skelly, I was driving through a neighboring town where it stood proudly in a yard staking claim to Halloween season. But then it popped up on social media. Then another one appeared. And another. Skellys even stuck around all year, some sporting white fur-trimmed Santa hats, others with giant football jerseys. One summer, I saw a Skelly with a giant surfboard. Home Depot sold through wave after wave of them.

The giant skeleton makes people laugh, yet Skelly’s omnipresence carries a lesson for independent retailers.

Every once in a while, a single seasonal product captures the public imagination. For independent hardware store owners, those moments matter.

Seasonal merchandise has always followed the rhythm of the year. Ice melt and snow shovels in winter. Seeds and fertilizer in spring. Grills in summer. Rakes and leaf bags in fall. Holiday assortments fit right into that cadence, giving stores another opportunity to bring customers through the door during key points on the calendar.

By Doug Donaldson

What the giant skeleton phenomenon shows is how powerful one standout item can be.

Its appeal comes from spectacle. It stands tall, looks absurd in the best possible way and begs to be photographed. People shared pictures online. Neighborhoods compared displays. A seasonal decoration turned into a small cultural event. More recently, Skelly got a giant skeletal canine companion. Retailers benefit from paying attention to such moments.

The lesson of the skeleton has little to do with Halloween décor itself. It has everything to do with developing radar for the unexpected. That’s what I hope to share with you by offering special category and product sections in Hardware Connection.

Sure, seasonal buying revolves around dependable items that sell every year. Those products form the backbone of a department. However, alongside them, one product that stops people in their tracks can energize the entire assortment.

Sometimes it’s oversized décor. Sometimes it’s a quirky yard display. Sometimes it’s an item that simply

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SHELF LIFE

looks different enough to pull someone across the aisle for a closer look.

That kind of product creates conversation, which creates attention, which eventually creates traffic.

The special holiday merchandising section in this issue explores that idea from several angles. Retailers across the channel continue to experiment with seasonal assortments that add a sense of theater to the store and create moments customers remember.

Of course, the hardware business still runs on everyday categories that quietly carry the store all year long. So this issue also includes a Category Report on tape , a product that shows up in countless repairs, projects and

quick fixes. We also have a Thought Leadership Q&A with John Reynolds, the CEO of Marshalltown, a company that has spent generations building tools for professionals who depend on them every day. Those stories capture the balance that defines independent hardware retail.

Reliable categories keep the business running.

Unexpected products keep the store interesting.

Every so often, one of those unexpected items turns into something bigger.

Sometimes it’s a 12-foot skeleton.

Somewhere out there, the next one is already waiting. It’s my sincere hope that I share such products with you in the pages of Hardware Connection. n

butAmazing TRUE HARDWARE STORIES

We started calling ourselves “Hardwarians.” I don’t even remember exactly when it started, but once it did, it stuck.

At one point we even leaned into it with a hiring ad: Are you the next Hardwarian? Big silhouette, question mark, made it feel like some kind of secret club.

A friend of ours saw it and got com- pletely taken with the idea. She kept saying she was going to become a Hardwarian and come work with us. In her mind, it meant going on buying trips, checking out new products, being part of the fun side of the business.

She saw the trips. She saw the energy.

She didn’t see the rest of it. The early mornings, the long days, the constant problem-solving, the work that never really shuts off. She still talks about joining us. We still let her dream a little.

Lisa Olson

United True Value Oconto Falls, Wis.

The Retail Sourcing Show.

How’s Business?

EAST

How are sales and customer counts so far this year? Up over last year. Probably the weather had a lot to do with it. We had a lot more snow. We’re in a rural area, and there haven’t really been any businesses moving in.

What’s unique about your store? The variety of products we offer—hardware, plumbing, electrical, lumber and cement. We have about 7,000 square feet, but we also have six outbuildings for building material. We’re about 30 percent contractor-based.

Best niches? This year we started with indoor plants and did well with that. In the summer, we have outdoor live plants. We also have a variety of toys and puzzles, games and other hobby supplies.

What new initiatives do you have planned for the rest of 2026? We’re expanding our garden center. It’s going to be a lot bigger this year, probably by at least another 25

Left: Noble Ace Hardware in Poultney, Vt., combines a 7,000-square-foot retail store with six outbuildings dedicated to building materials, supporting both DIY customers and a contractor base that accounts for about 30 percent of the business.

Right: The store also carries a wide variety of toys, puzzles, games and hobby supplies, a niche that helps draw customers looking for items beyond traditional hardware.

percent. We’re expanding our Stihl outdoor power equipment by 10 to 15 percent and are going to add doors and windows to the lumberyard.

Holly Benson Noble Ace Hardware Poultney, Vt.

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HOW’S BUSINESS?

CENTRAL

How are sales and customer counts so far in 2026? A little slow. It’s always slow in the beginning of the year, though. I don’t feel like it’s worse than other years, but it’s hard to gauge on the first part of the year because after the holidays, there’s not a lot going on outside. Weather plays a factor, and ours has been uneventful.

What’s unique about your store? We’re a one-stop shop. We have it all. Clothing, gifts, greenhouse,

Seasonal décor is one of the niches at United True Value Hardware, with displays such as this Easter setup helping bring customers through the doors and adding a festive touch in addition to the traditional hardware assortment.

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

SPONSORED BY

Kelly Seed & Hardware Co., Peoria, IL—1905

Learned Lumber, Hermosa Beach, CA—1924

Legg Lumber Company, Holt, MI—1884

Lummus Building Supply Co., Atlanta, GA—1925

Morrison Terrebonne, Houma, LA—1924

National Lumber Company, Baltimore, MD—1919

Newton’s True Value Hardware, Cherryvale, KS—1924

Page Lumber , Poughkeepsie, NY—1924—1,000th Centrury Club member

Paschal Brothers Hardware & Lumber, Jacksonville, FL—1924

Ransom Brothers Lumber & Supply, Ramona, CA—1924

Requarth Company, Dayton, OH—1860

Southern Builders Supply, Valdosta, GA—1880

Union Lumber Company, New Albany, MS—1902

Valley Park Elevator & Hardware, Valley Park, MO—1874

Western Materials Inc., Yakima, WA—1915

William B. Morse Lumber Company, Rochester, NY—1853

HOW’S BUSINESS?

paint, hardware, rental. We just celebrated our 78th anniversary. We have 25,000 square feet. We’re in a smaller community, and we don’t have any big-box competition.

Best niches? Building materials such as concrete supplies and seasonal décor. Clothing is one of our stronger niches. We don’t typically get the category through the traditional hardware business, but we carry it and it performs well. We’ve also added Milwaukee workwear; that has been a good fit alongside the rest of our apparel selection.

Plans for the rest of 2026? Nothing major. We’re focused on

The Olson family at United True Value Hardware in Oconto Falls, Wis., as the store marks its 78th year serving the community with a mix of hardware staples and specialty niches.

keeping things running smoothly and continuing to build on what’s already working. There aren’t any big remodels planned or major new product lines on the horizon right now.

Lisa Olson

United True Value Oconto Falls, Wis.

SOUTH

How are sales and customer counts so far in 2026? Business in our rural areas is still a bit slow. The metro markets around us have been carrying on, though they’re beginning to slow down now, while we’re seeing several housing starts come back. We’re hopeful this year will be a better one. What’s unique about your store? History and experience. We pride ourselves on hiring experience. Being able to bring employees in, our sales staff who have knowledge of products already and very little training involved. We don’t mind spending money on experience. We like to have that for our customers, to be able to teach them how to do things. That and having the newest products, the latest and greatest.

Best niches? Lumber and hardware. We do a lot with DIY folks. That’s where the store staff experience comes in. Our contractors don’t need that, but the folks coming in won’t know how to hang a picture. We’re about 75 percent do-it-yourselfer and 25 percent contractor/pro. But at the company’s Dyer, Tennessee, location, flip that. So we’ve got the best of both worlds. Plans for the rest of 2026? We’re always looking at expansion. I’ve looked at a couple locations this past year. The numbers just weren’t right for us for those, but I’ve already got some pinned for 2026 to look at.

Jason McDaniel City Lumber Greenfield,

Above: City Lumber in Greenfield, Tenn., serves a customer base that is about 75 percent DIYers and 25 percent contractors, with experienced staff helping homeowners tackle projects while pros rely on the store’s lumber and hardware selection.

Right: Jason McDaniel says City Lumber is seeing a slow start to 2026, but housing starts are beginning to pick up and the company is hopeful the year will strengthen as the building season progresses.

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HOW’S BUSINESS?

WEST

How are sales and customer counts so far in 2026? It’s about the same as last year, and last year wasn’t a great year. We weren’t hugely down, but we weren’t up either— it kind of held even. Getting more footsteps in the store has been my biggest struggle. For the past few years we’ve seen transactions declining, and this year we’re basically holding steady. We’re hoping for a good spring to help turn that around. Part of it is we just

haven’t had winter weather. Normally we’re selling ice melt, snowblowers and snow shovels like crazy, but we really didn’t have winter this year. I’m a little stumped because we are seeing growth and new people moving into the area, so it doesn’t quite add up. Also, more people are shopping online through Home Depot and Amazon, even if there isn’t a store nearby, which keeps the post office busy.

What’s unique about your business? We’re a typical hardware store, but we have a huge gift and ladies’ clothing and toys department— things people can’t normally get in our community because we’re two hours

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?

from a major city. Housewares is huge for us. Trying to meet the needs of the community is what sets us apart.

Best niches? Housewares and the gift department is the unique stuff we have. But our bread and butter is paint, plumbing and electrical.

What’s been selling well for you? Milwaukee has really taken off for us the last year or so. We’re selling Milwaukee like crazy.

Plans for the rest of 2026? If I can buy some property right next door, we’re going to add on. But we’re just trying to keep the store relevant. We’re going to hit all the recommended Ace updates to planograms so we stay relevant in terms of product mix.

Above: Hastings Ace Hardware in Afton, Wyo., pairs core hardware categories such as paint, plumbing and electrical with strong niches in housewares, gifts and clothing, helping the store meet needs in a community that is hours from a major city.

Right: Ron Hahn says Hastings Ace Hardware has seen sales hold steady in 2026, though fewer winter storms meant slower seasonal business and fewer transactions.

Ron Hahn

Hastings Ace Hardware Afton, Wyo.

Q&A: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

WHERE MANUFACTURING MEETS

STRATEGY

Few companies in the tool industry can point to both a 135-year legacy and a forward-looking investment strategy built around automation, domestic manufacturing and brand expansion. MARSHALLTOWN continues to lean into both. With a new 200,000-square-foot distribution facility in Kansas City, Kan., expanded

American manufacturing operations and a growing portfolio of acquired brands, the company is positioning itself for long-term service reliability and operational efficiency.

John Reynolds, who became chief operating officer on Jan. 1, brings more than two decades of company experience to the position. Since joining MARSHALLTOWN in 2004, he has held

Left: John Reynolds, chief operating officer of MARSHALLTOWN, brings more than two decades of leadership to the role, guiding the company’s investment in automation, U.S.-based manufacturing and service performance for independent retailers.

Opposite: A MARSHALLTOWN trowel represents one of more than 10,000 products in the company’s catalog, spanning 15 trades and reflecting its ongoing effort to balance assortment depth with practical inventory needs for retailers.

JOHN REYNOLDS, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF MARSHALLTOWN, DISCUSSES AUTOMATION, U.S.-BASED MANUFACTURING, BRAND INTEGRATION AND HOW THE COMPANY IS ALIGNING OPERATIONS TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT RETAILERS.

leadership roles across manufacturing, product development, sales, supply chain and marketing, most recently as executive vice president of sales and marketing. That background shapes his perspective on balancing production, logistics and retailer needs.

In this exclusive conversation, Reynolds discusses the impact of automation on service, the strategic

value of U.S.-based manufacturing, lessons from brand acquisitions and how independent hardware retailers can navigate assortment decisions in an evolving tool marketplace.

Hardware Connection: MARSHALLTOWN recently invested in a new distribution facility featuring robotics

Q&A: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

and automation. How will this change how you serve independent retailers in terms of speed, inventory availability and cost efficiencies?

John Reynolds: Our new distribution facility, focused on automation, robotics and distribution efficiency, is about continually offering customers world-class service. This expansion represents MARSHALLTOWN’s continued investment in logistics excellence and allows us to move products faster and more accurately, which improves fill rates and reduces lead times, offsetting labor and freight pressures. Ultimately, this translates into reliable service and cost efficiencies that help retailers compete in their local markets.

Your U.S.-based manufacturing plants are an increasingly rare edge in toolmaking. How does domestic production help you manage supply chain disruptions or rising logistics costs, compared to manufacturing overseas?

Maintaining U.S. manufacturing gives us control and responsiveness that are increasingly difficult to achieve with overseas production. Domestic manufacturing offers shorter lead times, reduces exposure to global freight volatility and allows us to adapt quickly when supply chain disruptions

occur. It also helps us manage rising logistics costs by limiting dependence on international shipping and tariffs while ensuring we maintain the quality standards our customers have come to expect over 135 years.

MARSHALLTOWN has expanded through acquisitions, including of Wal-Board Tools and Vaughan & Bushnell. What lessons have you learned about integrating acquired brands and maintaining quality and customer trust during those transitions? Successful integration starts with respecting the legacy of each longstanding brand. Customers trust them for a reason, and preserving product quality and brand identity remains a top priority throughout any transition. From day one, we place a strong emphasis on timeliness—ensuring uninterrupted supply, consistent lead times and clear continuity for retailers and contractors.

From independent retailers’ perspective, what tool trends are you seeing? Are there specific categories growing fastest or showing the most innovation?

We’re seeing steady demand for tools that improve productivity, durability and ergonomics. Categories tied to drywall, masonry and concrete finishing continue to show innovation, especially where tools help professionals work faster with less fatigue—like our

DuraSoft® handles and lightweight finishing trowels. There’s also growing interest in premium hand tools that justify their price through performance and longevity rather than uniqueness. Also, while the trends of battery-powered tools, vibration-reduction technologies and improvements in dust-control systems are often thought of as emerging, these are areas MARSHALLTOWN has been investing in, like our batteryoperated Spin Screed® roller screed, Shockwave™ 2.0 power screed with vibration dampening and DustPro 360™ for safety when mixing materials.

How has the labor landscape in your production facilities changed in recent years? How are you addressing labor

In 1909, Albert Higgin loaded a truck with MARSHALLTOWN trowels and hit the road to build the company’s distributor network, a customer-first approach that continues to shape its manufacturing and distribution strategy today.

shortages, skill gaps and wage pressures?

Hiring and retaining experienced workers has become more competitive, and wage pressures are a reality across the industry. We’re addressing these challenges by investing in automation where it makes sense to support productivity, while also expanding training programs to develop skills internally. That includes cross-training, upskilling and creating clear pathways for employees to grow into more advanced roles over time. Our goal is

Q&A: THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

to build an enduring workforce by combining technology with people—ensuring we retain critical manufacturing knowledge while preparing the next generation of skilled workers. Also, as we continue to invest in infrastructure, we’re also investing in the people and communities we serve.

In your product catalog, how do you balance SKU breadth versus depth for independent retailers who want useful assortments but must avoid inventory deadweight?

With a catalog of more than 10,000 products, balancing breadth and depth is critical to our comprehensive offering of iconic brands, which now span 15 trades. Our approach is to help retailers focus on assortments that turn consistently while offering depth in categories where professionals have various preferences and expect choice. We work closely with retailers and distributors to identify core SKUs and avoid inventory deadweight, while ensuring hanging and shelf space are used as efficiently as possible.

What role does feedback from independent retailers play in your product development?

A central role. Retailers are on the frontlines and have a deep understanding of their customers’ needs, which

often allows them to identify trends, performance gaps or opportunities early. Their insights inform not just packaging improvements or SKU adjustments, but also product selection, regional assortments and category depth. For example, retailers in different regions may see varying demand for concrete/ masonry tools versus drywall tools, or even down to various kit offerings within the same product family. By listening closely to regional and market-specific cues, we can better tailor assortments, prioritize innovations and ensure that our products match both the expectations of professionals and the realities of retailer inventory needs. This ensures that our tools are not only highquality but also practical, accessible and relevant to independent retailers’ customers.

What innovations or new product lines are you most excited about?

Several key trends are driving today’s innovation. Tradespeople continue to demand tools that prioritize ergonomics and comfort, helping reduce fatigue and repetitive strain on the job. At the same time, a focus on quality materials and precision manufacturing remains essential, with highest-grade materials and advanced manufacturing techniques delivering tools that last longer and perform with unmatched consistency. n

MARSHALLTOWN’s Iowa manufacturing facilities remain central to its operations, a domestic production footprint the company says provides shorter lead times and greater supply chain control amid global freight and cost pressures.

By Doug Donaldson

HOLIDAY SALES

STILL DELIVER—IF YOU LEAN IN EARLY SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

For independent hardware store owners, the holiday season carries weight far beyond decorations and displays. It represents one of the most important stretches of the retail calendar, during which customer traffic, discretionary

spending and impulse purchases all come together.

Across the broader retail landscape, that importance continues to hold. Holiday retail sales in the United States have approached $1 trillion in recent years, with steady year-overyear growth, according to the National

At the Orgill Spring Market, a towering skeleton anchors the display, capturing how seasonal categories connect to projects, drive impulse purchases and create momentum in a hardware store.

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

of activity reinforces what independent hardware store owners already understand: The final months of the year create opportunity.

As holiday spending continues to grow nationally, performance in the independent channel tells a more nuanced story. According to the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s Independent Retailer Index, about 30 percent of independent retailers’ reported year-over-year sales growth is in the fourth quarter, underscoring how much results depend on execution at the store level.

Lincoln Creek Lumber in Tumwater, Wash., leaned all the way into the season last year, filling shelves with an expansive selection of Christmas lights—from classic strands to specialty options—creating a high-impact display that made the category impossible to miss and easy to shop.

Within the hardware channel, that opportunity looks a little different than it does in big-box or specialty environments. The strength of the category comes from how it connects to everyday needs, seasonal projects and the broader role of the store in the community.

ADD-ONS ABOUND DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Holiday merchandise plays a part in that equation. Decorative lighting, extension cords, timers, weatherproofing products and outdoor décor all tie directly into how customers prepare

their homes for the season. Those purchases often start with a project mindset—installing lights, setting up displays or preparing for winter—and expand into additional items once customers are in the store.

That connection between project and purchase remains one of the biggest advantages independent hardware retailers have in the holiday category.

At the same time, consumer behavior continues to shift. Shoppers are more deliberate, balancing value with experience. Many begin their holiday shopping earlier in the season, extending the selling window and giving retailers more time to capture demand, according to holiday retail trend reporting from Deloitte and the National Retail Federation.

4 PRINCIPLES FOR HOLIDAY CATEGORY SUCCESS

For independent hardware store owners, success in the holiday category often comes down to four principles:

1. Connect seasonal items to projects. Holiday lighting sits alongside extension cords, clips and timers. Outdoor décor pairs with stakes, fasteners and power solutions. When products are grouped around how customers actually use them, the category becomes easier to shop and more effective at driving add-on sales.

2. Create visibility. Seasonal merchandise performs best when customers see it early and often. Front-of-store displays, endcaps and outdoor presentations help

establish the store as part of the holiday routine.

3. Offer a point of difference. Large retailers may win on scale, but independent stores can win on selection, service and local relevance. Unique items, practical solutions and knowledgeable staff all contribute to that advantage.

4. Pay attention to momentum. The holiday category builds over time. Early sales lead to midseason replenishment, which leads to last-minute purchases. Managing that flow—rather than relying on a single peak moment—helps maximize results.

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

LONGER RUNWAY FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

For independent retailers, that shift creates a longer runway. Bringing in seasonal merchandise earlier allows stores to capture early decorators, small-business buyers and customers who prefer to spread out their spending. It also provides more time to build displays, rotate inventory and create a sense of momentum leading into peak weeks.

Even with the growth of e-commerce, physical stores remain central to the holiday experience. A majority of consumers continue to complete at least part of their holiday shopping in-store, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, often after researching products online before shopping in person. That dynamic plays directly into the strengths of independent hardware stores, where product knowledge and hands-on guidance help close the sale.

The role of the store as a destination becomes especially important during the holidays.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS > TRANSACTIONS

During the holidays, customers are looking for more. They’re preparing their homes, solving problems and, in many cases, creating traditions. Stores that lean into that mindset—through

“

DURING THE HOLIDAYS, CUSTOMERS ARE LOOKING FOR MORE. ”

displays, product groupings and knowledgeable staff—position themselves to capture more of that spending.

Category performance also reflects broader retail trends. Holiday home décor has maintained steady demand in recent years, even as spending patterns shift across other discretionary categories, according to industry reporting from Home Textiles Today. At the same time, overall holiday retail growth is expected to remain modest, with consumers continuing to watch spending closely, according to outlooks from firms such as Deloitte and Avison Young.

That combination—steady demand paired with selective spending—places a premium on execution.

The holiday category gives independent hardware store owners a chance to become part of how customers prepare for the season each year. Over time, those visits turn into routine—and the store becomes part of customers’ cherished holiday traditions. n

Kim and Brian Kaminski, owners of Main Hardware in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., celebrate the season with Santa. The store leans into holidays year-round, with its largest push during Christmas—when a significant portion of the store transforms into “Christmasland.”

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

FYOUR IN-STORE HOLIDAY SELLING TOOLBOX

HOW INDEPENDENT HARDWARE STORES CAN MERCHANDISE THE HOLIDAY CATEGORY TO DRIVE ADD-ON SALES, INCREASE VISIBILITY AND BUILD BASKET SIZE.

Retailers study themed holiday sets at the Ace Spring Convention in Louisville, Ky.—comparing modern, traditional, campsite and cardinal looks as ready-made merchandising stories designed to guide shoppers.

or independent hardware store owners, holiday success often comes down to how the category shows up on the sales floor. Product selection matters, but merchandising determines how much of it actually sells.

Across both the Do it Best Group and Orgill, buyers point to one consistent theme: Stores that connect products, create visual impact and guide the customer experience outperform those that simply stock seasonal goods. Here are their expert tips.

BUILD DISPLAYS AROUND HOW CUSTOMERS SHOP

Holiday purchases often start with a project—decorating a home, setting up lighting or preparing for gatherings. Merchandising that reflects those tasks makes the category easier to shop and more effective at driving additional purchases.

Cross-merchandising plays a central role in that approach. Jim Wilson, vice president of Orgill private label, says retailers should group complementary items together so customers can

An oversized walk-through spider lit in purple shows how large-scale, weather-ready décor is pushing holiday displays to create statement pieces that grab eyeballs and stop traffic.

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

find everything they need in one place. Extension cords, timers and other connection products belong alongside lighting and décor. Tree stands should sit with trees. Ornament hooks, storage and accessories should be within reach of the main display.

Such structure reduces friction and increases the likelihood that customers will complete the entire project in a single visit.

CREATE VISUAL IMPACT THAT STOPS CUSTOMERS IN THEIR TRACKS

Holiday merchandising benefits from scale and presentation. Displays that draw attention pull customers into the category and increase the time they spend in the department.

Timothy Heath, group merchandise manager at Do it Best, points to fully decorated Christmas trees as one of the most effective tools on the sales floor. When executed well, those displays often lead to complete-package purchases, in which customers buy

An artificial tree farm display reinforces a key merchandising takeaway: Fully decorated trees create a visual anchor that leads customers toward completepackage purchases, from ornaments to accessories.

the tree along with ornaments and accessories.

Interactive lighting displays serve a similar purpose. Heath recommends showing multiple lighting options side by side on a dark backdrop so customers can clearly see differences in color, function and quality. That comparison helps justify trade-up purchases and supports higher-margin sales.

Outdoor décor carries even more impact when assembled and powered. Inflated or lit displays create focal

points that draw customers deeper into the store and signal that the category is worth exploring.

USE PLACEMENT TO DRIVE IMPULSE BEHAVIOR

Where holiday merchandise lives in the store shapes how it performs. Highvisibility areas—front-of-store displays, endcaps and main traffic paths—capture attention and create more opportunities for add-on sales.

Wilson notes that free-standing displays and endcaps work particularly well for giftable items and seasonal impulse products. Price-point displays, such as “Gifts Under $10,” provide clear entry points for shoppers and simplify decision making.

In stores with limited space, moving holiday merchandise closer to the entrance increases exposure and aligns with how customers shop during the season. The category thrives when it remains visible throughout the store rather than confined to a single aisle.

TURN CHECKOUT INTO A FINAL SELLING ZONE

The register area offers one of the strongest opportunities to increase basket size. Smaller, high-margin items placed near checkout align naturally with last-minute purchasing behavior.

Wilson points to products such as batteries, tape, storage containers, gift wrap and stocking stuffers as strong

performers in these areas. These items connect directly to holiday needs and require minimal consideration from the customer.

Suggestive selling reinforces that placement. A simple prompt from the cashier—whether tied to batteries for toys or tape for wrapping—can consistently add incremental sales across transactions.

USE THEMED DISPLAYS TO GUIDE THE CUSTOMER

Holiday merchandising performs best when it provides direction. Displays that group products around a theme—gifting, decorating or entertaining—help customers quickly find what they need.

Gift-focused displays create easy solutions for shoppers looking for quick purchases. Items such as tools, grilling accessories, toys and novelty products can be grouped together to form a clear destination within the store.

Seasonal signage and simple visual cues, such as bows or holiday labeling, can extend that theme into other departments. This approach allows retailers to highlight giftable products throughout the store while maintaining the integrity of core categories.

BRING THE CATEGORY TO LIFE THROUGH EXPERIENCE

Merchandising extends beyond static displays. Interactive and experiential

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

A “Let It Snow” neon-style LED sign highlights a growing trend at spring markets, where specialty lighting brings personality to holiday displays and creates eye-catching focal points that draw in customers.

elements help customers engage with products and understand their value.

Heath notes that demonstrations— such as showing how smart lighting works or syncing displays to music— create a more compelling presentation and increase the likelihood of purchase. These elements add energy to the

department and encourage customers to spend more time exploring the assortment.

BUILD MOMENTUM THROUGHOUT THE SEASON

Holiday merchandising evolves as inventory moves. Strong programs

adjust space and presentation throughout the season, condensing displays while ensuring that the visual impact remains strong.

Wilson emphasizes the importance of maintaining clean, organized presentation as product sells through. A well-managed department continues to drive sales even as assortments narrow,

while a disorganized one loses effectiveness late in the season.

The holiday category performs best when merchandising connects products, presentation and customer behavior. Stores that execute with clarity and intent turn seasonal displays into consistent drivers of traffic, basket size and overall performance. n

5 HOLIDAY TRENDS TO WATCH

1. Smarter lighting takes hold

Programmable and app-controlled lighting continues to gain traction, with customers increasingly looking for displays that can change color, sync to music or be controlled from a smartphone, according to Orgill’s Jim Wilson and Henry Lin.

2. Bigger outdoor statements

Inflatables, illuminated yard art and motion-based displays remain strong, helping customers create high-impact outdoor setups that stand out.

3. Infinity décor gains ground

Do it Best’s Timothy Heath points to growing interest in infinity décor,

which uses mirrored lighting effects to create depth and visual impact across a range of indoor and outdoor products.

4. Permanent lighting enters the mix

Permanent and semi-permanent lighting systems continue to build momentum as customers look for longer-term solutions that extend beyond a single season.

5. Core categories remain steady

Traditional products—trees, wreaths, garland and core lighting—continue to anchor assortments, providing a base retailers can refresh each year.

SEASONAL PRODUCTS REPORT

WHOLESALE

BUYERS’

VIEW OF HOLIDAY PRODUCT SALES

Holiday success in the independent channel reflects thousands of decisions made across stores each season. From product selection to display execution, those decisions shape results.

Buyers who work across large networks of retailers see those patterns take form in real time.

Hardware Connection spoke to three industry experts: Timothy Heath, Do it Best’s group merchandise manager; Jim Wilson, private label vice president at Orgill; and Henry Lin, Orgill’s senior merchandise manager. Each views the category through that broader lens. Their perspective offers a well-informed look at what drives performance in this category.

THE SEASON STARTS EARLIER THAN MOST RETAILERS THINK.

Across both wholesalers’ operations, the timeline is consistent:

DO IT BEST, ORGILL AND MERCHANDISE LEADERS SHARE WHAT’S DRIVING PERFORMANCE ACROSS INDEPENDENT HARDWARE STORES.

Planning begins as soon as the current season ends. Retailers review what sold, assess their remaining inventory and make decisions that shape the next cycle.

That early start ties directly into spring market activity, where assortments are finalized and orders are placed. Retailers who approach that window with defined goals and a merchandising plan position themselves to execute with confidence.

LIGHTING LEADS, BUT THE OPPORTUNITY RUNS DEEPER.

From a category standpoint, both perspectives point to strong

performance drivers. Heath identifies holiday lighting as the destination category, setting the tone for the entire department and drawing customers into the store.

Left: A towering inflatable Santa anchors the holiday section at the Orgill Spring Market, reflecting what buyers are seeing across stores: growing demand for larger, LED-driven outdoor décor that draws attention and sets the tone for the entire department.

Below left: Henry Lin (left), senior merchandise manager at Orgill, and Jim Wilson, Orgill’s private label vice president, point to disciplined assortment and intentional private label strategy to drive margin and consistency for independent hardware store owner.

Wilson and Lin highlight continued growth in outdoor décor, driven by advances in LED technology and consumer demand for larger, more dynamic displays. Indoor décor and collectibles support repeat purchases, while giftable hardware categories expand the reach of the season.

Together, those categories create a layered opportunity—traffic drivers, margin builders and impulse add-ons working in tandem.

EXECUTION SEPARATES STRONG PROGRAMS FROM AVERAGE ONES.

Buyers see a clear divide in how retailers approach merchandising. Cross-merchandising remains a foundational strategy, grouping products around how customers complete holiday projects. That approach simplifies the shopping experience and increases basket size.

At the same time, more immersive displays continue to gain traction. Fully decorated trees, interactive lighting

SEASONAL PRODUCTS

Do it Best group merchandise manager Timothy Heath says emerging categories such as infinity décor and permanent lighting systems continue to gain traction, while core items such as trees, wreaths and traditional lighting remain the foundation of holiday sales.

align with how customers shop during the season.

Front-of-store placement, endcaps and checkout displays serve as key touchpoints. Items such as gift wrap, batteries and novelty products capture incremental sales with minimal friction, especially when supported by clear signage and simple merchandising.

A CLEAR IDENTITY MATTERS MORE THAN MATCHING THE COMPETITION.

One of the strongest themes across both perspectives centers on differentiation. Retailers who define their holiday identity—whether through premium assortments, value-focused offerings or unique product mixes—create a clearer position in their market.

walls and powered outdoor décor create visual impact and help customers understand product differences. Those experiences often translate directly into higher-value purchases.

IMPULSE PLAYS A CENTRAL ROLE IN HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE.

Holiday shopping behavior creates consistent opportunities for add-on sales. Smaller giftable items, stocking stuffers and everyday essentials all

Buyers see challenges arise when stores attempt to mirror larger competitors without establishing that identity. Independent retailers perform best when they lean into their strengths, tailoring assortments and presentations to their customer base.

TECHNOLOGY, SCALE CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE CATEGORY.

Looking ahead, both organizations point to continued evolution in holiday products. Programmable lighting, music-synced displays and features controlled by apps continue to gain traction. Larger décor pieces and new visual formats expand the impact of outdoor displays.

Heath also highlights the growth of newer categories such as infinity décor, along with continued interest in permanent lighting systems. At the same time, the season’s traditional assortments—trees, wreaths and core lighting—remain a steady foundation for the category. n

Side-by-side lighting merchandising helps customers compare color and function, making tradeup decisions easier and supporting higher-margin sales, according to Do it Best group merchandise manager Timothy Heath.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

GLORY HAUS MINI RETRO TV WITH SANTA

• Nostalgic holiday décor piece featuring a jolly Santa displayed inside a vintage-style TV frame, blending retro design with seasonal storytelling.

• Lighted wooden construction creates a warm, glowing focal point ideal for mantels, shelves or tabletop displays.

• Compact footprint (about 9 inches by 4.2 inches) makes it easy to incorporate into themed displays or add-on merchandising zones.

• Strong giftable appeal, pairing well with other retro or novelty décor for bundled holiday sales opportunities.

• Plays into continued demand for nostalgia-driven and personality-based holiday assortments seen at spring markets.

GE CYNC DYNAMIC EFFECTS CAFÉ LIGHTS

• Smart outdoor café-style string lights blend patio lighting with holiday décor applications for year-round merchandising flexibility.

• Individual bulb control with up to 16 million color options allows retailers to demonstrate customizable displays that shift from everyday ambiance to holiday themes.

• Music-sync capability and programmable light effects create interactive displays that draw attention and encourage trade-up purchases.

• Designed as part of a broader collectible-style lineup, encouraging repeat purchases and multi-item displays.

• App and voice control (Alexa, Google Assistant) position the product within the growing smart home and connected lighting category.

• IP65-rated, all-weather construction supports outdoor use across seasons, extending selling opportunities beyond traditional holiday windows.

• Extendable design (up to about 96 feet) enables large-scale installations suited for patios, events and statement holiday displays.

GEMMY AIRBLOWN® ANIMATED

CHRISTMAS INFLATABLE MICKEY MOUSE AND PLUTO IN AIRPLANE

• Animated inflatable featuring a 54-inch-tall airplane scene, designed as a large-scale yard centerpiece.

• Integrated motion includes a spinning candy cane–striped propeller adding movement that increases visibility and curb appeal.

• Built-in multicolor LED lighting delivers strong nighttime presence and enhances the animated effect for after-dark display.

• Self-inflating design with internal fan allows quick setup and takedown,

FEIT ELECTRIC SMART COLOR-CHANGING PERMANENT OUTDOOR LED STRING LIGHTS

• One-hundred-foot smart RGBIC string light system designed for permanent installation under eaves, supporting year-round use with seasonal holiday applications.

• Individual LED control allows users to create custom color patterns, sequences and animated effects, moving beyond traditional single-color string lights.

• App-based control through the Feit Electric platform enables scheduling, scene creation and remote operation, with voice compatibility via Alexa and Google Assistant.

supporting repeat seasonal use in residential settings.

• Includes stakes and tethers for secure outdoor placement, with construction suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

• Offers millions of color combinations and 75-plus preset scenes, including holiday-specific lighting modes that simplify setup for seasonal displays.

• Weatherresistant construction (IP-rated) and long-life LEDs (about 25,000 hours) support multiseason outdoor use.

• Expandable system (up to about 200 feet) enables homeowners to scale displays, aligning with demand for larger, more dynamic exterior lighting setups.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT

NATIONAL TREE COMPANY PRE-LIT “DUNHILL FIR” ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE

• Updated 2025 version of one of National Tree Company’s core SKUs, featuring improved LED lighting performance and easier assembly.

• Hinged branch construction allows faster setup and shaping, reducing friction for seasonal installation.

• Pre-lit design with integrated lights supports complete-package purchases with ornaments and accessories.

• Offered in multiple heights and profiles, including slim formats for tighter spaces.

• Distributed broadly through wholesale channels, with National Tree operating as a major importer and supplier to large retail networks.

KURT S. ADLER BATTERY-OPERATED LED VILLAGE SCENE

• 2025 refresh of collectible holiday village pieces featuring integrated LED lighting and detailed winter scenes.

• Pre-lit LED integration enhances visibility while maintaining low energy use, making it suitable for extended seasonal display.

• Compact, self-contained design allows for flexible placement on shelves, mantels or endcaps without requiring additional setup.

• Battery-operated design allows flexible placement without reliance on outlets.

• Includes moving elements (skaters, trains or rotating features depending on model), adding motion to traditional décor.

• Designed for collectible expansion, encouraging repeat purchases year over year.

MR. CHRISTMAS ANIMATED MUSICAL SUPER CLIMBING SANTA

• Updated 2025 version of a long-running animatronic holiday item, featuring synchronized climbing motion and music playback.

• Santa figure climbs a decorative ladder while carrying a toy sack, creating a kinetic indoor display.

• Includes multiple Christmas songs with

KILLER RABBIT TURN-POST CONNECTOR

volume control for flexible placement in-store or at home.

• Designed for mantel, wall or tree integration, expanding décor beyond static tabletop items.

• Widely distributed through gift and hardware-adjacent channels, especially for impulse and novelty sections.

• Concealed post connector system designed to secure wood posts to concrete or decking without exposed brackets, bolts or flanges.

• Hidden hardware design improves finished appearance, supporting cleaner deck, pergola and patio builds.

• Powder-coated steel construction resists corrosion while elevating posts slightly off the surface to promote water runoff and reduce moisture damage.

• Eliminates the need for boxing or wrapping post bases, reducing install time and minimizing long-term rot issues.

• Available in two sizes to accommodate 4x4 and 6x6 posts, providing flexibility across common build applications.

• Engineered to meet building codes nationwide and withstand wind forces exceeding 200 mph.

• Made in the USA with a patented design focused on both structural performance and visual finish.

CATEGORY REPORT

Source: Epicor’s Industry Data Analytics

Epicor’s Industry Data Analytics tracking information is based on sales from a representative sample of hardlines retailers located throughout the U .S . For more information, call 512-278-5800, visit Epicor’s website or email epicorindustryanalytics@epicor com

TAPE SELLING CHECKLIST

Tape may look simple on the shelf, but performance varies widely by surface, environment and application. For store associates, the goal is to guide the conversation quickly and confidently so customers leave with the right product for the job. Here’s how store associates can match the right tape to the job, prevent failures and build the basket.

q Start with the project, not the product. A customer asking for “tape” is really describing a task. The first question should be: What are you working on, and what surface are you working with? According to Mary Kate Hearns, senior product manager for painting and masking tapes at Shurtape Technologies, that shift—from product to purpose— sets up the entire recommendation. Different surfaces require different levels of adhesion and flexibility, and the wrong match can lead to failure.

q Factor in experience level. A DIY customer and a professional painter approach tape differently. Hearns notes that newer users benefit from tapes that are easier to apply and remove, while experienced pros often look for performance under more demanding conditions. Matching the product to the customer’s expectations improves results and reduces frustration.

q Steer customers away from priceonly decisions. One of the most

Randy’s Hardware in Timberville, Va., brings tape technology to life on social media, breaking down features such as clean removal and edge-sealing performance to help customers choose the right product.

common mistakes customers make is choosing tape based on price or color rather than performance. Hearns says this often leads to paint bleed, surface damage or residue. Store associates can reframe the decision by asking how important a clean line and finished result is to the project, helping customers see the value in trading up.

q Organize the aisle by application. A well-merchandised tape set makes

CATEGORY REPORT

the associate’s job easier. Shurtape recommends organizing by application—such as delicate surfaces, general interior, exterior/high-bond and professional-grade—rather than by brand or color. This structure gives customers a clearer path to the right solution and reduces decision time.

q Match inventory to conditions. Environmental factors play a direct role in tape performance. Heat, humidity and sun exposure can all affect adhesion and removal. Hearns advises stocking more high-bond and professional-grade options during warmer months and shifting toward interior-focused products as exterior projects slow. Aligning inventory with seasonal demand helps ensure the right products are available when customers need them.

q Explain what drives performance. Customers often overlook what separates standard and professionalgrade tapes. Hearns points to backing materials and ease of removal as key differences. Higher-quality paper backings conform more smoothly to surfaces, flex around edges and remove cleanly without residue. Helping customers understand these features builds confidence in the purchase.

q Differentiate for pros and DIYers. Contractors and homeowners shop differently. Pros look for larger rolls, multipacks and clear “contractor

4 TAPE TRENDS TO WATCH

Shurtape Technologies’ senior product manager for painting and masking tapes, Mary Kate Hearns, points to four key trends shaping the tape category for independent hardware retailers.

1. Higher performance expectations

Customers expect sharper lines and more precise results, driving demand for higher-performing painter’s tapes, Hearns says.

2. Pro-level results for DIYers

Homeowners increasingly expect professional-quality finishes, even on small projects, creating more opportunity to trade customers into better tape.

3. Sustainability in packaging

Manufacturers are shifting toward recyclable materials. Shurtape, for example, is transitioning key tape lines to FSCcertified paperboard packaging, reducing plastic use.

4. Fewer workarounds, better outcomes

Advances in tape technology reduce the need for extra steps, enabling customers to achieve clean results with the tape alone.

grade” indicators, making decisions based on efficiency and total job cost. DIY customers gravitate toward single rolls and clear labeling tied to specific projects or rooms. Shelf tags and signage can guide both groups without overcomplicating the assortment.

q Keep the essentials, simplify the rest. When space is limited, Hearns recommends focusing on core SKUs that cover most jobs: a multi-surface option for general use and a highadhesion tape for exterior or textured surfaces. This approach maintains coverage while reducing complexity.

q Create one last add-on opportunity. Tape connects naturally to paint and project purchases. Associates can extend that connection at checkout. Hearns suggests keeping tape near the register and pairing it with paintrelated items, then prompting the customer with a simple question: Do you need tape today? n

A professional painter relies on highperformance tape to create clean, precise lines, using advanced adhesives and conformable backings that seal edges, prevent bleed and deliver consistent results across a range of surfaces.

TALE OF THE TAPE: TECH IMPROVEMENTS

Advances in tape technology focus on improving performance while simplifying application. Recent Shurtape adhesive innovations reduce the need for workarounds. A common “tape hack” pairs caulk with lower-quality tape to prevent paint bleed. Mary Kate Hearns, Shurtape’s senior product manager for painting and masking tapes, says newer technologies deliver a more precise seal at the tape edge, eliminating that extra step.

Clean removal is a key performance factor in today’s painter’s tapes, with higher-quality backings designed to peel away smoothly without tearing or leaving residue behind.

FrogTape’s PaintBlock

Technology is one example, using a super-absorbent polymer that reacts with latex paint to form a microbarrier and prevent bleed. The result is sharper lines without additional materials or steps.

Backing materials have also improved. Higher-quality crepe and washi paper conform more easily to surfaces, handle curves without tearing and remove cleanly.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH 2026

NHS Concept to Commerce

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

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, Orlando, Fla.

Do it Best, True Value Fall Market

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

REGISTER FOR THE IHI CONFERENCE!

Registration is now open for the 2026

Independent Home Improvement Conference, July 29-30 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes in Orlando, Fla. The event will bring together more than 700 independent retailers, vendors and industry partners for education sessions, networking and access to new products and solutions designed to support store growth and operations. To register, click here.

THE NEWS

RETAIL OUTLOOK STRENGTHENS, COMPETITION INTENSIFIES

Retailers round into the second quarter with steady demand but rising pressure to adapt, as new data point to both continued consumer spending and a rapidly shifting competitive landscape.

According to the National Retail Federation, sales are expected to grow 4.4 percent in 2026 to $5.6 trillion, outpacing the ten-year average of 3.6 percent and reinforcing the role of consumer spending as a stabilizing force. NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay notes that “consumer spending was a steady and reliable engine of growth in 2025,” a trend expected to continue despite broader economic uncertainty.

That unsettled environment remains a factor. “Renewed tensions in the Middle East and the ripple effects across global markets are adding more uncertainty to the economic landscape,” says Mark Mathews, executive director of research at the National Retail Federation, who adds that trade policy challenges and inflation will require close monitoring even as core economic fundamentals remain stable.

At the same time, new research

from Manhattan Associates suggests the rules of retail competition are shifting quickly. Its 2026 Unified Commerce Benchmark Report finds that 66 percent of consumers now begin their shopping on channels outside a retailer’s ecosystem, increasing the risk of losing customers before a direct interaction occurs.

The report also highlights how quickly competitive advantages are eroding. About 38 percent of the factors that separated top-performing retailers in 2024 are now considered standard expectations, while leaders are gaining an edge through real-time inventory visibility, cross-channel fulfillment and more advanced AIdriven customer engagement tools.

NEW STORES, ACQUISITIONS

• Rocky’s Ace Hardware is expanding its footprint in Maine with the acquisition of Kennebunk Ace Hardware in Kennebunk, which will become the company’s 52nd location and its second in the state. The firm is also

IN THE NEWS

preparing for continued growth in New England, with renovations nearing completion on a new Rocky’s Ace Hardware in Manchester, Conn.

Rockville Ace Hardware

• Rockville Ace Hardware , owned by Cool Hardware Company , has opened a roughly 11,000-square-foot store in Rockville, Md., expanding the brand’s presence in Montgomery County.

Ace Hardware of Mission Hills

• Ace Hardware of Mission Hills in Mission Hills, Calif., celebrated its grand opening earlier in March.

• Mill Creek Lumber & Supply Company , based in Oklahoma City, has expanded its presence in the state with the acquisition of Tulsa

Fireplace Supply in Tulsa, Okla.

• Hancock Lumber has opened a new kitchen design showroom at its Brunswick, Maine, location as part of the site’s redevelopment, featuring new design displays and assortments for homeowners and builders.

KUDOS

• A.O. Smith , a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of water heating and water treatment products, has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the third consecutive year in 2026, recognizing its ongoing commitment to ethics, compliance and corporate governance.

• Aubuchon Company announced its Hardware Store Cat Calendar raised more than $36,000 for the Aubuchon Foundation, driven by strong community participation and support across its store network.

• ECI Software Solutions has been certified as a 2026 Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work ,

an independent organization that evaluates companies in eight countries based on employee survey feedback. This marks ECI’s eighth consecutive year earning the designation in the U.S.

• Pella Corporation , a Pella, Iowa–based window and door manufacturer, marked its centennial in 2025 by contributing more than $2.2 million in grants, matching gifts and scholarships through its Pella Rolscreen Foundation .

• Arett Sales , a Pennsauken, N.J.–based distributor serving independent lawn and garden, hardware, home and seasonal retailers nationwide, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026.

• Tri-County Lumber, based in Clearwater, Minn., marks 25 years in business this year. The business is owned by Dave and Lori Ables , recipients of Hardware Connection’s 2025 Best New Store Beacon Award .

• Lezzer Lumber has named its Pennsdale, Pa., location as its 2025 Elite Location Award winner, recognizing the store’s strong performance across operations, customer service and team engagement following significant improvements over the past two years.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

• A.O. Smith has named Riad Sawan vice president of commercial sales for its North America Water

Heating business unit. It’s based in Fergus, Ontario, where Sawan will lead national commercial sales strategy for the A.O. Smith and Lochinvar brands.

• ECI Software Solutions has named Bob Cain industry president of its residential home construction division, where he will lead strategy, growth and customer engagement. He succeeds Scott Duman , who recently retired.

• Tando Composites , based in Saint-Augustinde-Desmaures, Quebec, has promoted Taylor Campbell to territory manager for Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

• Marvin, the Warroad, Minn.–based manufacturer of windows and doors, has named Chris Edelbrock vice president of supply chain.

• LBM Advantage , based in New Windsor, N.Y., welcomes Adam Bauer , president and COO of HPM Building Supply , and Greg Goodale , director of purchasing at Riverhead Building Supply , to its board of directors. In addition, LBM Advantage recently hired Tyler Brinkley as a millwork trader.

IN THE NEWS

WHOLESALERS, MANUFACTURERS

Dan Starr addresses the audience at the Do it Best/ True Value Spring Market.

• At the 2026 Do it Best/True Value Spring Market in Denver, the rollout of the Retail Pulse data platform and a broader push around connected e-commerce, inventory and pricing tools framed a show focused on helping independent retailers identify underperformance, improve margins and act on store-level insights. Read the full story here .

True Value has partnered with the BIG EAST Conference.

• True Value has partnered with the BIG EAST Conference as

its official hardware partner, gaining national visibility through in-game signage, promotions and broadcast exposure aimed at driving traffic to independent retailers. Read the full story here .

• Sika has announced a collaboration with Georgia-Pacific Building Products to launch an integrated exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) featuring DensElement sheathing for commercial construction projects.

• Ace Hardware recognized seven vendor partners as its 2025 Vendors of the Year , highlighting companies that delivered strong support across merchandising, operations and innovation to help independent retailers compete. Read the story here .

• Sherwood

Lumber , a Melville, N.Y.–based wholesale distributor of lumber and building materials, has announced a new distribution facility in Danville, Pa., set to begin operations April 6.

• The Pittsburgh Paints Company has launched its PITTSBURGH PAINTS TRUINDUSTRIAL line, a new industrial coatings platform designed to provide a full range of primers, topcoats and specialty solutions for sectors such as building materials and heavy equipment.

• Trex has identified six outdoor living trends shaping backyards in 2026; read the full story here .

• The Home Depot is expanding its U.S. footprint with 12 new stores across eight states—Florida, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, New York, Washington, Virginia and California—adding more than 1.6 million square feet of retail space as part of its ongoing growth strategy.

pressure from merchants and lawmakers for reforms to increase competition and reduce costs. For the full story, see here

IN MEMORIAM

had extensive experience with the product. So we recruited d-i-yers to solicit their feedback. Each used FrogTape on multiple surfaces windows, baseboards and 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. ■ not stock

• VEVOR , an online tools and equipment supplier, has opened a flagship store in Houston and launched a community repair initiative, signaling a move into physical retail and localized service that could increase competition in the channel.

FOR THE FULL STORY

• Swipe fees on credit and debit cards totaled a record $198.3 billion, according to the Merchants Payments Coalition , intensifying

• Marshall Raser , 97, former president of Carr Hardware and a longtime leader in the Berkshire area’s business community, passed away March 14, 2026; for more, see this article .

• James Robert Robinson , 91, passed away March 7, 2026, in Swansboro, N.C. He was owner of a True Value store in Huntersville, N.C.