Hardlines Strategies

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“They’re involved in helping dealers make the best use of their time. That’s a true partnership. It’s not just about selling products. It’s about figuring out how everyone can grow together.”

Maintaining in-stock positions remains one of the most important factors for Star Home Center’s success. “Empty hooks don’t make profit,” Hughes says. “Blish-Mize has been an integral piece of making sure we keep products on our shelves and available for our customers.” The partnership has also played a key role in Star Home Center’s paint department. Hughes credits strong inventory performance and consistent product availability as major benefits. “What they do, they do very well,” he says. “Their fill rate is excellent, and it’s rare that we experience outages.” Beyond inventory support, Hughes values the hands-on approach Blish-Mize takes with independent retailers. Company representatives regularly visit the store, offering feedback, sharing new product opportunities and helping identify ways to improve merchandising and operations. This collaborative spirit is also evident at buying markets. “Sometimes you can get tunnel vision in your own store,” Hughes says. “Having someone walk the aisles and point out new opportunities or make recommendations is valuable.” That partnership extends to Buying Markets as well, where Hughes says the Blish-Mize team helps retailers develop a plan before they even step onto the show floor. “They’re involved in helping dealers make the best use of their time,” Hughes says. “That’s a true partnership. It’s not just about selling products. It’s about figuring out how everyone can grow together.” While the partnership has contributed to business growth, Hughes says Star Home Center remains focused on what matters most—serving customers and supporting the local community. One example is the store’s annual customer appreciation event, which has grown into one of the largest community gatherings hosted by the business, fostering deep customer loyalty. The event draws roughly 2,500 attendees and features food, vendor participation, contractor consignment sales and special offerings from a local nursery. “We’d rather do one event and do it well,” Hughes says. “It’s our opportunity to thank customers and bring the community together.” As Star Home Center looks ahead, Hughes believes the relationship with Blish-Mize will continue to support the store’s growth and long-term success. “We feel very positive about the future,” he says. “I think we’ve got a long-term partner.”

—AJ Hughes, Star Home Center

Strong partnerships have helped Star Home Center expand categories, improve inventory levels and grow the business while staying focused on serving its local community.

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