Strategies_Fall2025

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Surviving and Thriving in the Future I n a world where startups come and go overnight, our 154-year-old company stands as a rare example of endurance

Contents Department Update . . . . . . . . . 2 Featured Products . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fall Market Preview . . . . . . . . 14 Customer Profile . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Hunny-Do’s Hardware Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Schneider Trucking VendorVignette . . . . . . . . . . . 32 SILIGUN Blish-Mize Inside . . . . . . . . . . . 34

and adaptability. Over the decades, Blish-Mize has weathered economic cycles, technological revolutions, world wars, the Great Depression, political shifts—you name it. We’ve seen it all, and we’re not intimidated by the current moment. What’s our secret? A steadfast commitment to our customers, paired with the most agile and

forward-thinking team in the industry. This issue highlights just a few examples of how that combination continues to deliver results. Our featured customer, Hunny-Do’s Hardware, turned their dream into reality with the help of Blish-Mize, securing a prime location and building a well-stocked, customer-friendly store (see Page 22). We were proud to play a role in helping them launch and succeed. We also showcase our merchandising programs and how we offer best-in-class merchandising options for our retailers. See data from the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s 2025 Merchandising for Profit Study on Page 34. We’re also excited to share updates on how we’re making our Buying Market experience even better for you. We believe our App is the best in the business—simple, effective and packed with features to enhance your buying experience. Plus, our New Media Retailer program (see Page 14) gives you an easy plug-and-play solution to enhance your online presence. It’s a straightforward way to stay top-of-mind with your customers, and we’d love to show you how seamless it can be. If you’ve got questions, send them to sales@blishmize.com. Behind the scenes, we continue to invest in the systems and infrastructure that support your business. Our warehouse remains one of the most efficient in the industry, and our partnership with Schneider Dedicated Freight Service ensures that our products are delivered safely, quickly and with near-perfect accuracy. And we’re still improving every day. At our core, we remain deeply connected to independent retailers and the hardware community. This issue includes stories of retail success and strategies to help you grow your business. I look forward to seeing you at the Fall Buying Market. In the meantime, if you have any questions, ideas or just want to talk shop, feel free to reach out directly. Here’s to your continued success—and ours together.

On the Cover From identifying a gap in their

community to cutting the ribbon on Hunny-Do’s Hardware, Blish-Mize assisted first-time hardware store owners in making their dreams come true.

Advertising Information Hardlines Strategies is published twice every year by Blish-Mize. Copyright 2025. 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

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

Warm Regards, Jonathan D. Mize Chairman and CEO jonathan@blishmize.com

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