Fall 2019 Hardlines Strategies

CUSTOMER PROFILE

“You build relationships over the years, and ours with Scott is a strong one. Through that, we’ve developed just as strong of a relationship with Blish-Mize,” he says. “The trust you have in the person is transferred to the company, and Blish-Mize has returned that trust as we’ve grown and expanded.” Some of the ways Markus sees the benefits in working with Blish-Mize include the wholesaler’s ability to allow Hometown Lumber and Hardware to keep its promise of low markups. From Buying Market deals to the

company’s Smartbook program, Blish-Mize has helped Markus and his team at its desired price point while still stocking the product selection his customer base has come to expect. The ability to have key departments and product groups laid out clearly has helped the Hometown Lumber and Hardware team be more efficient when planning each buying season. Buying up whole pallets of products customers will reliably purchase is a key part of the Buying Market experience, Markus says, as is learning about the new products that are available.

These programs and specials from Blish-Mize have allowed Hometown Lumber and Hardware to take on another expansion. Having outgrown its indoor salesfloor, the business added on 2,000 square feet in 2018. While primarily to give more space to what had become a crowded retail area, the expansion did allow the business to bring in expanded lineups and selections in power tools, hardware and fasteners, plumbing and lawn and garden. These are some of the areas Hometown Lumber and Hardware will look to capitalize on in the future. “We get 90 percent of our needs from Blish-Mize, and we were really excited about how they could help us reset the store and diversify our selection,” Markus says. “Some departments we’ve tip-toed into a bit. But seeing those departments grow is what we’re most excited for in the future.”

“We get 90 percent of our needs from Blish-Mize, and we were really excited about how they could help us reset the store and diversify our selection.” —Sean Markus, vice president

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Visit Leviton booth 740 or Assortment Central for the latest products, special pricing and dating.

40 Fall 2019 • Hardlines Strategies