Fall 2023 Hardlines Strategies

OPERATIONS

UPGRADE 1 Optimize your inventory management process.

UPGRADE 3 Make your merchandising pop.

SALE

In late 2020, Blish-Mize made a significant investment at the distribution center in Atchison, Kansas, in an effort to streamline order picking and improve accuracy. “In order to stay current in today’s marketplace, businesses have to constantly leverage state-of-the-art technological practices and equipment. Customer expectations are at an all-time high, and they are constantly evolving at an accelerating pace,” says Jonathan Mize, Blish-Mize CEO and president. “We feel as if we’ve been able to stay modern and valuable with this singular investment, as it is already bringing the most returns in efficiencies and accuracies we’ve ever seen in our warehouse.” Stay on top of your inventory management process— and ensure you have the right products in stock for your customers—by making sure you are using your POS system effectively and taking advantage of the tools it offers. Contact your POS provider representative to find out what data may help you make more strategic purchasing decisions. In addition, make cycle counts and checking for outs a regular part of your staff’s responsibilities so everyone is involved in the inventory management process.

Alongside knowledgeable staff and a streamlined inventory process, committing to best-in-class merchandising is one more upgrade you can make to elevate your operation. Utilize core merchandising strategies like power aisles of large items, regularly rotated endcaps and clear pricing and signage to make your store easier to shop. These strategies also improve your price image and help you sell through inventory more quickly, making room for more. If you want to make a big impact, a merchandising reset can be a fresh start for your team and your customers. Turn to Page 22 to read how Blish-Mize helped Kim and Brian Wendt at Anita Supply Center complete a whole store reset in record time.

BONUS UPGRADE Attend “4 Ways to Upgrade Your Business” presented by NHPA’s Melanie Moul at the Blish-Mize Fall Market Friday, September 15, 10 a.m.

Melanie Moul NHPA

UPGRADE 2 Invest in your company culture.

According to ongoing research from Gallup that measures employee engagement, about 50% of U.S. workers are “not engaged” in their work. Improving company culture can be the key in helping move the needle from not engaged to actively engaged, which can have a remarkable impact on your business. Actively engaged employees seek more knowledge, are invested in the future of the company and are less likely to leave. If you’re looking for a way to improve your company culture and engage your employees in your operation, NHPA has several programs that can be customized to fit your needs. Visit YourNHPA.org/development or call 800-772-4424 to learn more about TeamBuilder, Vision Process, Everything DISC ® assessments and other tools that can help develop your team into all-stars.

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