Spring 2019 Hardlines Strategies

FEATURED PRODUCTS

The Best New Technologies at Your Fingertips

High-Tech Vendors and Unique Items Can be Found at the Spring 2019 Buying Market

These vendors are eager to tell you about their latest offerings, but time spent on the show floor is also a way for these representatives to show how important the independent hardware and home improvement retailer is to their business, and to the industry as a whole. For Metabo HPT, that commitment starts with making a good name for itself all over again. The power tool manufacturer formerly known as Hitachi Power Tools is planning to hit 2019 running with a new name and a reinforced commitment to retailers. “Our name change is an exciting element for us in 2019,” says Joe Leffler, board member and senior vice president of sales, marketing and general management. “We will be present on job sites and at trade shows, and we’ll be visiting retailers across the country with Blish-Mize Spring Buying Market with some of their best products yet. I ndependent retailers hardware products that can excite and entice customers. Whether it’s with the latest power tool accessory or a new lineup of products in an otherwise familiar category, vendors are coming to the have long been known for carrying hard-to-find

our High-Performance Tour roadshow to showcase our MultiVolt platform, as well as reinforce that the only thing changing is our name.” Spring Buying Market attendees will have a chance to try out the latest line of products from Metabo HPT: the MultiVolt cordless-corded collection. Other new technologies in the power tool department include Milwaukee’s battery-powered M18 chainsaw and DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT ® line of outdoor power equipment. Innovations aren’t just limited to power tools for the pros. Blish-Mize is offering its top selections of new vendors and newly stocked products at the Spring Buying Market. One new product lineup includes SPEEDHIDE ® Interior Latex wall and ceiling paint from PPG Paints ™ . SPEEDHIDE ® paints are created for easy application, with its formulation allowing for the paint to be applied in occupied rooms.

“At PPG, we understand professionals need to efficiently and accurately complete paint jobs and routine maintenance touchups,” says Terri Guenthenspberger, PPG senior segment marketing manager. “SPEEDHIDE ® Interior Latex is an economical solution for both commercial maintenance and new construction. It delivers the durable product performance required by the pros.” Another vendor that is now stocked in the Blish-Mize warehouse is Lift Safety, manufacturer of hard hats, gloves and other protective items for hazardous work locations. Lift Safety’s hats come in a range of designs and materials, including carbon fiber-reinforced resin shells. Lift Safety also carries gloves, eye protection products, knee pads and high-visibility equipment. For information on these vendors and products and more, see Pages 14-17.

12 Spring 2019 • Hardlines Strategies