Fall 2013 Hardlines Strategies

VENDOR PROFILE

A Perfect Fit Four Vendors Bring Diversity and Value to Your Product Mix I f you’re like many independent retailers, somewhere behind

Crescent Mechanics Tool Program from Apex Tool Group For more than 100 years, consum- ers have trusted the Crescent wrench tool brand. Now, the company, part of the Apex Tool Group, is expanding that brand to a complete set of mechanics hand tools. With more than 300 items, this line includes pliers, adjustable and combination wrenches, sockets, ratchets, extensions, screwdrivers and more. At the Fall Buying Market, you’ll be able to see the many options available, from single tools to sets. This program, new to the marketplace, presents the perfect opportunity for you to reset your existing mechanics tool line or establish your presence in it for the first time. Maximize your display space and offer a cohesive presentation with a water- fall display in adjustable planograms. Also, you’ll want to see the other inno- vative products this vendor has to offer as you think about ways to keep your cus- tomers excited about shopping your store. “The Crescent brand has seen more new products than any other brand in our company,” says Apex Tool Group’s Director of Branded Products Paul Steinweg. “We offer you a lot of innova- tion that allows you to compete with the big-box stores.”

It’s a strategy that keeps your customers from shopping somewhere else and can differentiate your product mix from that of other home improvement retailers. That’s Blish-Mize’s strategy, too. While the company is big enough to provide you with competitive prices and programs, members of the buying team also listen to your feedback about which vendors you would like to see added to the Distribution Center or which programs it should expand. At this year’s Fall Buying Market, you’ll see some new additions to the Blish-Mize catalog as well as expanded offerings from key vendors. Blish-Mize buyers carefully select programs due to the high quality of products those vendors provide and the way those vendors can differentiate your store from the competition. Here are four featured programs to check out at the Fall Buying Market. When an item makes a frequent appearance on the list, you make space on the shelf and add it to your regular inventory. the checkout counter you have a notebook where you keep track of the items customers request that you don’t stock.

home parts. While mobile home prod- ucts are a natural extension to hardlines assortments, big boxes tend to shy away from selling these lines. Now you have the opportunity to be the primary pro- vider and a destination for those items in your market. United States Hardware Manufacturing has more than 40 years of experience in the distribution of mobile home parts, including electrical, plumbing and win- dow and door hardware. Blish-Mize has added more than 50 mobile home items to its warehouse. This vendor also has RV and marine parts available on a spe- cial order or drop ship basis. Look for complete mobile home parts planograms in 2- and 4-foot options on display at the Fall Market. In addition, this vendor sells OEM quality parts, so when a customer comes to your store looking for a replace- ment item, you can match the quality of the part he has. “Consumers can go anywhere and get regular hardware for their homes, but they can’t go anywhere and buy parts for their mobile homes,” says Kevin Blum from United States Hardware Manufacturing. “Now you can offer those lines. Plus, consumers looking for mobile home items are likely to buy other hardware items while in your store.”

Mobile Home Parts from United States Hardware

Visit most big-box stores and you will likely have a difficult time finding mobile

32 Fall 2013 • Hardlines Strategies