Spring 2019 Hardlines Strategies

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Going the Extra Mile

S pring cleaning can mean a lot of things. To some, it is a time to refresh their homes and clean them from top to bottom, clearing out any dust and getting rid of anything they no longer need or use. To others, it’s more symbolic—a time to clear out the things that are weighing them down. At Blish-Mize, we believe the spring season is a great time to take a fresh look at how our business operations stand out from the competition.

Contents Ask the Expert .4 Training Resources .8 Becoming a Consumer Destination 10 Featured Products 12 Spring Market Preview 18 The Future of Retail 26 Customer Feature 28 Star Lumber & Supply Customer Feature 32 Teague Lumber Co. Going the Extra Mile 38 Social Media Program 40 Hardware House 41 News 42 On the Cover: Teague Lumber Co.’s Paul Teague, president and general manager, and Stephanie Gilley, vice president of accounting.

We encourage you to do the same. How do you differentiate your business from others in the area? How do you compete with online retailers who offer products similar to yours? How do you ensure your customers know you care about them and their needs? Someone once told me, “Go the extra mile; it’s never crowded.” I truly believe this, especially in today’s fast-paced way of life. I encourage our team to go the extra mile every day—not only for our customers, but for their co-workers. This encourages team spirit and ensures we go above and beyond just getting the job done. Taking that extra step guarantees success—both personally and professionally. In this issue of Strategies , we feature a few retailers who are going the extra mile. Whether it’s taking some time to hear what their customers have to say, coming in when the store is closed to help someone out or stepping up to save a store that might otherwise go out of business, there are Blish-Mize customers across the country who are putting in some extra time and effort to serve their communities. Learn more about what these retailers are doing by reading the story on Page 38. Our customer profiles also highlight some outstanding Blish-Mize customers. Teague Lumber has become an institution in Fort Worth, Texas, by continuing to use the same family values as when it was founded in 1944. Learn more on Page 32. Star Lumber’s most recently renovated location on the east side of its headquarters city of Wichita, Kansas, is unlike any location in the company’s lineup—a pro’s paradise. Turn to Page 28 to find out more about what’s behind its doors. Finally, stay tuned for new products and services that we will continue to roll out in 2019 that will help you go the extra mile for your customer. On Page 12, you can learn about some products that have become especially popular at recent Buying Markets. As always, if we could be doing something better, or you have any additional feedback for me, please give me a call at 800-995-0525, ext. 138, or email me at jonathan@blishmize.com. Here’s to some great spring cleaning!

Advertising Information Hardlines Strategies is published twice every year by Blish-Mize. Copyright 2019. For advertising rates and deadlines, please contact:

Blish Connor Blish-Mize

223 S. Fifth St., Box 249 Atchison, Kansas 66002 Toll free: (800) 995-0525 (913) 367-1250

Jonathan D. Mize CEO and President

(913) 375-2505 (cell) (913) 367-0667 (fax) e-mail: blish.connor@blishmize.com

Blish-Mize isamember-owner ofDistributionAmerica

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