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Homeowners today are looking for flooring that not only matches a room’s design or aesthetic but also desire materials that are functional and maintainable. Bona’s Floorcast 2026 outlines consumer preferences when it comes to flooring and floor cleaning products, detailing the factors influencing purchasing patterns. See stats from the study and how homeowners are making …

There’s little doubt that price is a major consideration when contractors decide where to buy their paint, and for independent retailers, that’s where the struggle begins. How do you outprice a competitor who’s practically giving away their paint? Fortunately, it’s not always all about price. Providing consistent service and a quality product go a long …

Joe Swortz, a U.S. Army veteran and a financial controller in the independent channel, attributes his current leadership and teamwork skills to his time in the military. Motivated by the desire to go to college without financially impacting his parents, Swortz joined the military at age 17, the summer before his senior year of high …

In-store services provide a unique opportunity to position your operation as more than just an independent paint store. Whether it’s adding a cafe in your front entrance, providing personalized design services or implementing a robust rental department, in-store services help create a repeat customer base and put your store on the map in one or …

Injecting energy into the home industry and delivering on the promise of a newly imagined show, NHS Concept to Commerce, an evolution of the National Hardware Show (NHS), debuted this spring with three days of sourcing connections, exciting product discovery and networking that led to new connections. This Fall, NHS will debut another evolution, DIY …

For over 125 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has been serving the needs of independent home improvement retailers across North America, helping retailers be better and more profitable.  NHPA publishes two respected monthly magazines that serve as trusted resources for independent retailers across the channel. Hardware Retailing is dedicated to the hardware …

The Consumer Confidence Index from The Conference Board rose by 0.6 points in June to 91.2, up from a downwardly revised 90.6 in May.  The Present Situation Index, based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, fell by 3.0 points to 116.4. The Expectations Index, based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, …

Built around coming together to share ideas, struggles, wins and more, the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI Conference) will bring together the independent home improvement channel for collaboration, cultivation of ideas and fun under the Florida sun.  With the retail industry in a state of continual evolution and full of external challenges, retailers who …

Ahoy, it’s time to party! On Tuesday, July 28, the Independents Celebration will kick off the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference with food, fun and a little yacht rock funk. Don your best nautical wear because this party is getting the conference started with a little bit of Yacht Rock—think anything with navy, red and …

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Independents Awards Gala, taking place at the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference. On the second day of the conference, July 29, the Independents Awards Gala will recognize outstanding retailers in the industry for their innovation, leadership and excellence and bring together three of the industry’s biggest awards: …

Data from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) shows a notable shift in the current housing market: while fewer Americans are taking on home improvement projects, those who do are spending significantly more. According to HIRI’s recent Q1 2026 Homeowner Project Activity Tracker, overall homeowner participation in home improvement projects dropped to 40% in Q1 …