Strategies_Spring2023

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Clearing the Way for Change

Contents Ask the Expert . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Featured Products . . . . . . . . 6 Online Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Spring Market Preview . . . . 14 Heart of Hardware . . . . . . . 22 Customer Feature . . . . . . . . 26 Danek Hardware & Lumber Operations Feature . . . . . . . 34 Merchandising Hardware House . . . . . . . . . 40 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ownership of Danek Hardware and Lumber Co. has been in the Danek family since 1954. Located along Interstate Highway 35 between Austin and Waco, Texas, the operation focuses on supporting its rapidily growing community. Retirement Q&A On the Cover

E very spring, I get excited about lawn work. You read that right. I can’t wait to get back outside and spend time fixing up the winter’s damage. A deep sense of accomplishment comes with working the land on your own, and I know many of you feel the same way. Taking matters into your own hands is how many of us do business. I know many of you work seven days a week to keep the store afloat. Many of you are marking in inventory as our trucks arrive. Some

of you play the part of general manager, chief operating officer, chief financial officer and more. Finding time to come to our markets is a challenge, but you make it work, even if it doubles as your vacation. We appreciate any time you can give us, and we look forward to seeing you face to face at the 2023 Spring Market. One area you’ve also likely been fairly hands-on with is merchandising. Starting on Page 34, we offer some insights into merchandising best practices to help you make the most of the assortments you’ll find at the market. This guide can help you boost your sales per square foot and improve impulse purchasing heading into the busy spring season. On the cover of this issue, we’re featuring our good friends, the Danek family. This passionate group has been in the hardware business for multiple generations running Danek Hardware and Lumber in Jarrell, Texas. See how they balance work and family and learn about their plans for the future of the operation. Lastly, in this issue, we’ve got two great stories—one about a new beginning on Page 42 and another about a strong ending. At the end of last year, Greg Lutz, executive vice president of operations, retired from his role after 24 years. Greg will still be working part–time for us on various projects this year. We thank him for his long tenure and wish him rest and relaxation as he spends more time with his grandchildren and in his yard—which happens to be right next to mine. With this transition, we welcome Brady Clark as vice president of operations who has been with us since June of last year. Brady has over 20 years of experience in the distribution industry, and we look forward to his contributions to our team. You can learn more about Brady on Page 4. With these fresh starts, we are excited to continue providing excellence in distribution services, and as always, “Delivering More” to you, our valued customers.

Advertising Information Hardlines Strategies is published twice every year by Blish-Mize. Copyright 2023. 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

Happy Spring!

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

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

Blish-Mize is a member-owner of Distribution America

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