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April market data highlights continued strength in used vehicle demand, even as fewer selling days weighed on month-on-month activity across the sector. At a Glance – April 2026 Car Sales Used Cars Sales: 30,971 (-6.6% MoM, +8.0% YoY) Average price: R423,329 (-2.0% MoM, +0.6% YoY) Top seller (overall): Ford Ranger (1,706 units) Top seller (passenger …
The 2026 American Coatings Show (ACS) was declared a success with a total of 542 exhibitors, over 136,600 square feet of exhibit space and over 8,000 total participants from 63 countries, concluding on May 7 in Indianapolis. “Building on more than a decade of success for this award-winning industry event that has become a major …
Retail sales in April increased for the seventh consecutive month even as gas prices rose and inflation remained high, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. “Retail sales continued to grow in April despite higher gas prices driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, cautious consumer sentiment and the persistent concerns about sustained inflation,” says NRF …
The Sherwin-Williams Company recently hosted the grand opening of the company’s news global headquarters in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. “This grand opening marks a defining moment in the company’s 160-year history,” says Heidi Petz, Sherwin-Williams chair, president and chief executive officer. “Our new global headquarters is a strategic investment in our people, our customers and our …
Cars break down. Parts wear out. Warning lights come on at the worst possible time. That’s just how it goes with owning a vehicle. The difference between a small fix and a big bill often comes down to how quickly the problem gets attention and who’s doing the work. Routine Servicing Saves Money in the …
US trade tariffs are reshaping South Africa’s new car market. Weelee explains why savvy buyers are turning to pre-owned vehicles — and why the timing has never been better. The US government’s sweeping automotive tariffs, a 25% levy on South African vehicle exports and a broader 30% tariff on goods, have sent shockwaves through South …
Subaru Southern Africa is the title sponsor of the Subaru Amohela MTB Challenge, which returns for its third edition from 22 to 24 May 2026 in the Maluti foothills of Clarens, Free State. Hosted in the mountain village of Clarens, the event has become a showcase of high-altitude mountain biking, gives riders access to routes that …
Polokwane, South Africa — May 2026 — FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA has announced the opening of a new branch in Polokwane, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion strategy and reinforcing its commitment to supporting key industrial sectors across the northern regions of South Africa. The new branch, which officially opens in May …
The FUCHS Group, which operates globally in the lubricants industry, presented its new FUCHS100 strategy at the Capital Markets Day held at the company’s headquarters in Mannheim on 16 April 2026. The name refers to the path leading up to the company’s 100th anniversary in 2031 and represents an evolutionary continuation of the FUCHS2025 strategy. …
The American Coatings Association (ACA) recently presented John Vanderpool, senior vice president of True Value Manufacturing and General Paint Manufacturing, with its Industry Achievement Award. Vanderpool received this honor during the ACA’s Industry Awards Dinner, held before the American Coatings Show in Indianapolis. The Industry Achievement Award recognizes individuals for their specific contributions to an …
Table of Contents Toggle Start by Asking Around Check Their Credentials Get Multiple Quotes Look at Reviews, But Read Them Carefully Understand What You’re Paying For Watch Out for Storm Chasers Don’t Skip the Contract Think About the Long Run Final Thoughts Images Links Most homeowners don’t think about their roof until something goes wrong. …
Table of Contents Toggle A Growing National Trend Why More Owners Are Selling A Faster, Simpler Alternative Helping Sellers Make Informed Decisions About Damaged Cars Wanted Images Links A growing number of South Africans are choosing to sell a damaged car rather than invest in costly repairs, according to Damaged Cars Wanted. The company has …
By Scott Jerousek First and foremost, I would like to congratulate this year’s class of Top Guns recipients. Take a moment and let it sink in—you’re being recognized by your industry as the best of the best. This is a tremendous accomplishment and a well‑deserved acknowledgment of hard work, dedication and the ongoing pursuit of …
By Mike Aylen In a recent post on social media, I recounted a question I am often asked by retailers: “What is the easiest way to improve margin?” My answer is always the same: “Start with the margin you are losing right now that you don’t know about.” I think it would be fair to …
By Jeremy Melnick What’s the shortest amount of time a new hire has lasted on the salesfloor before quitting or being fired? A month? A week? A day? An hour? For me, it was 10 minutes. “I don’t sweep or dust,” the new associate said. That sentence ended the shift and the job. As extreme …
According to the Q1 2026 Farnsworth Contractor Index conducted by The Farnsworth Group, finishing professionals are already showing confidence about business activity and revenue impact in 2026. Paint & Decorating Retailer broke down the data from the study, revealing pros’ expected growth in the next year, a key audience retailers should tap into this year. …
Staying in tune with the best options in the abrasives and sanding tool categories is an essential practice for retailers who offer a full range of painting supplies. By strategically organizing products, prioritizing quality and leveraging customer feedback in this category, your store can better serve both contractors and DIYers. Hear from three retailers who …
Celebrating its 20th year honoring trailblazing retailers in the channel, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has named its 2026 Top Guns Awards honorees. This year’s honorees include: David Enmark, CEO of The Helpful Hardware Co.; Ash Ebbo, CEO of Clement’s Paint; Jason Blair, CEO of TAL Building Centers; and Denise Brookhouse, CEO …
Table of Contents Toggle Medical Bills That Cannot Wait Moving House or Relocating for Work Emergency Home or Car Repairs Small Business Cash Flow Gaps Bridging Finance While Waiting on a Sale School Fees and Term Start Costs Legal Fees and Court Costs Choosing a Local Provider When to Think Twice The Drive-Away Model Images …
Table of Contents Toggle Reading the Early Warning Signs The Cost Logic When Rebuild Makes More Sense When Replacement Wins Picking a Workshop Differentials Deserve the Same Attention Factoring in the Rest of the Vehicle Images Links When a gearbox starts slipping, shuddering, or refusing to engage a specific gear, the first decision is not …
Earlier in this issue, we met this year’s first Top Guns Awards honoree, Ash Ebbo, who shared how important it is to empower the next generation in the independent home improvement channel to become its next leaders. Engaging with the next generation at the store level is crucial for the success and future growth of …
As the only event uniting the entire independent channel, the 2026 Independent Home Improvement Conference (IHI) promises to deliver practical takeaways, interaction with top industry vendors and chances to connect. Taking place July 29-30 at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes and hosted by the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) and The Hardware …
Celebrating its 20th year honoring trailblazing retailers in the channel, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) has named its 2026 Top Guns Awards honorees, including Ash Ebbo, CEO of Clement’s Paint in the Austin, Texas, area. “Top Guns honorees are pillars of innovation and forward-thinking, and have helped grow their businesses through strategic …
South Africa’s 50 public technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges are, in the main, struggling institutions. In many, throughput rates – how many students qualify in the expected time – are low. Some lecturers are under-qualified and under-resourced. Relationships with employers, which are crucial for the type of training that these colleges offer, …