Spring 2014 Hardlines Strategies

MARKET PREVIEW

added bonus for purchasing Cash Coupon items. Near the end of each day of the Market, there will be a drawing for the cash prizes. Mini-Store The assortments set at the Mini-Store can help you see Blish-Mize’s best mer- chandising practices. Introduced in 2012 as a real-world example of a retail envi- ronment, this area will feature ways Blish- Mize can help you create cohesive assort- ments, no matter the size of your store. Unlike previous Markets, where the Mini- Store focused on a specific category, the Mini-Store on display at the Spring Market will cover all categories found in a hardware store, including electrical, plumbing, build- ers’ hardware, fasteners and more. Because no two stores are alike, you’ll have the option of customizing assort- ments in each category based on what works for your market—ranging from dominant 28-foot bargain assortments to 4-foot convenience assortments. “A narrow offering of each category will be available, with a full 50-percent discount on assortments offered there,” Short says. “All items offered at the Mini- Store will be also be available on 90-day terms, allowing you to buy an assortment, put it on the shelf and refresh that assort- ment without a huge investment.” The assortments set at the Mini-Store will also allow you to see firsthand some of the best practices of merchandising, which will help you draw more sales and create a more cohesive appearance for your entire store. Additionally, as it has been in past years, the Mini-Store will offer you a look at other programs and services that can improve your retail operation, whether it’s the totally customizable and economical store signage program from Blish-Mize or a complete POS system to help you improve the efficiency of your business. All promotions will be available through- out the Market, taking some pressure off you to make quick ordering decisions. “There are no time constraints on when you can place an order while at the Market,” Short says.

Schedule of Events: Friday, March 21, 2014 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Market Tip Off! 10-10:30 a.m.

Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”

12-1 p.m. 2-2:30 p.m.

Lunch

Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”

5:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Cash Coupons Drawings

Halftime! Market Closes for the Day Customer Appreciation Jack Stack BBQ Kansas City Improv Stars Show Customer Appreciation Social Hour

6-6:45 p.m. 6:45-8 p.m.

8-9 p.m.

Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:30 a.m.

Breakfast Served

7:45-8:30 a.m.

Huddle Up! Breakfast & Learn Event: Three Pennies for Profit - presented by NRHA

8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Market Tip Off!

9:30-10 a.m.

Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”

12-1 p.m. 1:30-2 p.m.

Lunch

Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”

2:45 p.m.

Cash Coupons Drawings

3 p.m.

Game Over—See you in September!

Hardware House Updates Also at the Mini-Store, you won’t want to miss the wide range of product cat- egories available from Hardware House, Blish-Mize’s private label product line. At the Market, you’ll notice sev- eral updates to the Bath, Kitchen and Lighting categories to complement the existing programs available in each area, says Dennis Bigler, Hardware House mer- chandise manager. The first is the upgrade and expansion of Hardware House’s vanity top program, which includes six new colors: a basic color addition of Mexican Sand; four new colors of cultured marble

granite in sand, walnut, pewter and galaxy black; and a new two-tone granite cappuccino style with a rectangular bowl. New signage is also available to promote this program. Designer-style kitchen faucets featuring a single-handle, gooseneck design with a pullout sprayer are also new. Two new shower rod styles in three finishes all made of stainless steel are new additions to the program as well. There’s also a new design in the light- ing category. With a classic bronze finish, Essex is a richly-finished family of lighting with eight different functional pieces and includes a corresponding ceiling fan style.

20 Spring 2014 • Hardlines Strategies