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May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 5 CONTENTS MADE IN AMERICA 8 Bacon Up: Mixing Food, Family, Flavor, and Fun Makes a Winning Recipe SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS 11 3 Reasons Digital Marketing is Good for Business 12 Women Shoppers Say Men are Treated Better in Hardware Stores 16 Gaining the Loyalty of Gen Z Shoppers 20 Big Business Should “Think Small” to Change their Culture COMPANY MILESTONES 24 Toysmith: Delivering Joy and Laughter One Toy at a Time 27 How to Plan Events that Work 30 Doing Good in the Neighborhood 31 Community Helps Store Owner Put a New Twist on Coat Drive LAWN & GARDEN 34 Getting Back to the Simple Life with Sustainable Landscapes 36 Product Spotlight IMPULSE & HOME 44 Product Spotlight TECHNOLOGY 47 Product Spotlight HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES 48 Product Spotlight PAINT & SUNDRIES 50 Consumers Will Create Harmony With Color in 2025 52 Product Spotlight Dates and location are subject to change. Please check convention websites for current status and updates. Spring ushers in a season of new beginnings and new opportunities. It’s always exciting to go to the trade shows and see the products retailers buy for their customers. While new items are a big draw, the vendors that manufacture legacy products also do brisk business. These assortments are often the “bread and butter” of core departments. The most successful stores purchase the ideal mix of products for their markets. Rather than simply stocking a range of products that typically sell, these retailers keep things fresh by responding to the changing needs of their customers. Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z have different values and expectations. It’s essential to keep this fact in mind when providing service. As the magazine’s publisher, I have a role that is crucial for its growth and evolution. I am committed to creating connections that build upon its great legacy. We intend to engage readers by offering insights on topics that benefit their businesses, and sharing an insider’s perspective from the vendors who value your business. Since our magazine keeps growing, we are happy to welcome a new member to our sales and marketing staff. Chris Miller is a talented young professional with extensive experience in the home improvement industry. You’ll like his warm personality and great sense of humor. Please join me in welcoming Chris to the team. Instead of dwelling on the past, I am excited about the future of our magazine. Our diverse staff is united in our commitment to delivering an exceptional publication. I am confident that you will find this issue particularly valuable, as it offers various perspectives on the Customer Experience—a timely topic that is directly relevant to your businesses. Great Selling, Robin Daugherty, Publisher Dear Readers, Published by 4M Communications 117 South Cook Street #306 Barrington, IL 60010 ADVERTISING SALES Publisher and Digital Marketing Manager Robin Daugherty 773-569-1360 [email protected] National Sales Manager Tony Sarantakis 847-431-3370 [email protected] Account Manager Chris Miller 630-234-3272 [email protected] Business Manager Leonard Munson 773-308-6030 [email protected] EDITORIAL AND MEDIA Editorial Director Wanda Lenoir [email protected] SUMMER ONLINE BUYING EVENT May 20-June 2 SUMMER DEALER MARKET June 13-15 Sevierville, TN FALL ONLINE BUYING EVENT August 5-18 FALL CONVENTION August 8-10 Chicago FALL REUNION September 9-11 Orlando FALL MARKET September 6-9 Indianapolis
8 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT MADE IN AMERICA F amily gatherings are filled with love, laughter, and good food. And it’s not unusual for one of the cooks to switch up a favorite recipe by adding a pinch of this and a dash of that. Sometimes, the results are downright tasty. When the Bissmeyer family got together 30 years ago for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, they turned things up a notch when they deep-fried the turkey in bacon grease instead of peanut oil. As the saying goes, the rest is history. How did you come up with the idea to start Bacon Up? Like so many entrepreneurial startups, the story of Bacon Up begins in small-town America—in our case, Owensboro, Kentucky, with a family of five siblings: Tom, Bernie, David, Monica, and Joe. Our mom, Mollie, was a wonderful Southern cook who always had a can of saved bacon grease near the stove when she was cooking. All five of us kids loved being in the kitchen and cooking with her; we all still cook today. Big family gatherings are our favorite, and although we’re spread across the country, we make it a priority to gather as often as possible. When our brother, David, attended LSU in the early 80s, turkey frying was just getting started in Louisiana, and he was hooked. This was before you could walk into a hardware store on Main Street and buy a turkey fryer, so Tom and our dad welded together their own custom burner/fryer, and a family tradition was born. Some 30 years later, we tried bacon grease one Thanksgiving instead of peanut oil, and it was so delicious that it lit an entrepreneurial spark. We began brainstorming right then and there on how we could take ready-to-use bacon grease to market, and Bacon Up was the eventual result. What is the family’s vision for the business? People remember their parents and grandparents saving bacon grease, they remember how the extra flavor made all that downhome food more delicious, and they cherish the fun memories of fellowship around the table. We want Bacon Up to embody all of that. Our Bacon Up: Mixing Food, Family, Flavor, and Fun Makes a Winning Recipe The Bissmeyer siblings, clockwise from upper left: Bernie, Joe, Tom, David, and Monica. Monica is the company CEO and culinary director. She’s deliciously incorporated Bacon Up into SO many recipes—many of which are available on their website, https://baconup.com.
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 9 vision is to make it easy to recreate those fulfilling moments of food, family, flavor, and fun and make it easy to enjoy the connections and memories of a great meal. What are the significant challenges small businesses face today? We operate with a VERY small team, so it’s quite a workload! As co-founders, the five siblings have funded and managed the entire venture, even while maintaining our original “day” jobs. We have added a handful of local parttimers to help us out, but there’s no corporate backer or venture capitalist behind the curtain, and only about 10 of us are getting it all done. Fortunately, the team members we have assembled are all immensely talented, experienced, and dedicated professionals who collectively bring so much know-how and expertise to the business—more than 200 years of experience! So, the key has been finding business partners who share our values and are eager to participate in this unique opportunity to leverage something familiar and treasured and bring it to the market in a fun, up-to-date way. What does Bacon Up have in common with Independent Retailers? Since the key is finding business partners with similar values, you can see why we love the Independent Hardware channel so much. It’s such a natural fit to sell in stores where the connection with the customer is genuine, there is a family focus, and there is an entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, both Bacon Up and Independent Retailers embrace tradition but always look forward and innovate. We change, improve, and bring customers all the latest, but we never let go of the kindness, social connection, or authenticity that built the business. Has the growth in the grill category have an impact on your business? Beyond sharing similar core values, the Hardware Channel is vitally important to Bacon Up’s growth because Bacon Up is the perfect “go-with” for griddles, cast-iron cookware, and fryers—all things found in the Outdoor Cooking section of a robust hardware store.Bacon Up was launched in the fourth quarter of 2018, so we only had one full year in the market (and still relatively sparse distribution) when COVID hit. That definitely slowed the rate of sales calls and store expansion, but because eating out was impacted, interest in home cooking really picked up—and Bacon Up benefited a lot from that. And, because socializing outdoors was seen as a safe option for spending time with family and friends, outdoor cooking— especially the griddle—really took off. Obviously, an oil is key to seasoning, prepping, and cooking on a griddle, so as sales of Blackstones and other griddles took off, Bacon Up also saw increased sales. Bacon Up provides much more flavor than other oils, so it quickly became a “fan favorite.” How does the company market its product to stand out in the cooking oil category? Traditionally, Cooking Oil is a lowinvolvement category with little advertising or consumer interaction. However, because we were introducing a whole new bacon grease/animal fats segment, we took a different approach and prioritized connecting with consumers to drive awareness and trial. We advertise nationally, largely through social media campaigns and print advertising. We have partnered with a range of very popular “TikTok cooks” who feature Bacon Up, among other things, in their cooking videos on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. Hundreds of our Bacon Up cooking videos each year feature outdoor cooking and cast-iron cookware—accounting for more than half of our 230,000,000 views—an ideal scenario for hardware stores. The videos are entertaining and visually demonstrate how Bacon Up can be incorporated into Prominently displayed in the outdoor cooking section of a popular independent retailer. Pro-tips: • Make sure your customers make the connection by crossmerchandising Bacon Up with BOTH your rubs, seasonings, and sauces AND your cast iron displays. • Place a tub of Bacon Up on any griddles you have displayed on your sales floor. And keep restocking the griddle-top “display unit” as they get sold! • Consider including a tub of Bacon Up FREE with the purchase of any griddle. Get that new griddle owner using Bacon Up right from the start and “prime the pump” for years of future sales (and store visits).
10 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT MADE IN AMERICA almost any recipe by replacing butter, shortening, or other cooking oils. And the implied endorsement from these popular personalities offers reassurance to anybody thinking about trying Bacon Up. What do people most frequently ask about Bacon Up? If you are wondering right now, “What happens to all the bacon?!?,” you are not alone! That is the question we are asked the most. Our supplier makes bacon bits and pre-cooked bacon for some of the country’s largest retailers and restaurant chains. They capture the grease that cooks out as they make these products, then triple-filter it to remove the little meat bits and package it in Bacon Up tubs and pails for us to sell. They are also family-owned but a very big company—and they generate more bacon grease than you can imagine. We are never going to run out! So, not only are we providing consumers with an easy way to cook with bacon grease, but we are also reducing food waste by repurposing the grease. What is the most important thing retailers should know about Bacon Up? For the independent hardware store, the best thing about Bacon Up is the foot traffic it can generate. Sure, it’s fantastic for sales and profit to sell a Big Green Egg or a Weber grill or griddle, etc., but once a durable is sold, it’s sold. On the other hand, consumables like Bacon Up and the rubs, seasonings, and sauces it is merchandised alongside, get used up and repurchased—bringing customers back in the door regularly. And because Bacon Up is ideal for cast iron, it is used and sought after year-round. 2405CUTEDGE_BaconUp.indd 1 3/15/24 4:21 PM Reach for the Bacon Up when you get out the skillet, then “Start with a Scoop” any time you fry, cook, bake, sauté, or sear.
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 11 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS O ne mistake many small and medium-sized businesses repeat year after year is failing to make digital marketing a high priority. It is a missed opportunity that can be costly in the long run. The average person spends three hours a day on the internet searching for information, shopping, and communicating with other people. A significant percentage of the time spent online is dedicated to retail transactions. This is evidenced by the steady growth in e-commerce sales, reaching $272.7 billion in the third quarter 2023, and consumers’ increasing preference to shop from their homes, offices, and cell phones. While the facts speak for themselves, some business owners are not connected with their customers digitally. Successful retailers may believe that the traditional marketing methods are working and no more needs to be done. There can be a lack of understanding of ways to get up to speed on this form of marketing. Some may think digital is best left to someone else to explore. Yet, it’s critical to have an online presence to engage consumers in real-time and cast a wider net where shoppers are present 24/7. In a survey Forbes conducted with small business owners, 60 percent of respondents intend to build their online presence, and 24 percent expressed a need to invest in new and emerging technologies to remain relevant in the digital space. There are many reasons businesses can benefit from digital marketing. ©Prostock-studio/Shutterstock 3 Reasons Digital Marketing is Good for Business BALANCE RISING COSTS BY BOOSTING ONLINE REVENUE Due to inflation and the rising cost of goods, many retailers have few options except to raise prices. According to a recent Small Business Insights Survey, 9 out of 10 respondents plan online sales to be a significant source of revenue this year. Most companies project they will generate additional revenue through the company’s website or by using social media. • 39 percent want to improve marketing results • 31 percent plan to invest in technology • 12 percent generate 100 percent of their revenue online PHYSICAL STORES BENEFIT FROM BUY ONLINE, PICK-UP IN STORE Customers now realize that it may be faster to buy merchandise online and pick it up in-store. A curbside pickup is also a convenient option that gained traction at the height of the pandemic but is now a hit with consumers. Incorporating these options into your existing e-commerce platform will make doing business with you more appealing since customers place a high priority on saving time and convenience. FOCUS ON ENHANCING THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE It takes work to “wow” customers and ensure you provide exceptional service and a memorable experience. Forward thinking retailers take the time to pause and reflect on the best ways to serve customers and be competitive while navigating an unpredictable retail landscape. Digital marketing is a crucial element in creating a meaningful experience. Customers have said they want more choice of communication channels, not less. They also appreciate personalized messages that address their needs for specific products and services. The digital transformation enables business owners to speak to consumers across generations without leaving the comfort of home. • 59 percent of consumers care more about the customer experience than they did pre-pandemic • Failure to meet consumer expectations can be a win for competitors. Retailers sitting on the fence are missing an opportunity to create an omnichannel business that enables them to sell more products to multiple audiences. The best way to get started is to learn more about marketing digitally. Then follow up by putting what you’ve learned into action on a DIY project. If necessary, get help from an expert or someone who can walk you through the process. It will take time to see measurable results, but you are one step closer to success.
12 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Women are no strangers to shopping in hardware stores, yet a recent survey indicates they don’t necessarily enjoy the experience. In the past, home improvement operations were male domains. However, women now play an instrumental role in completing DIY projects and hiring contractors. The Nationwide Survey of American Women’s DIY Home Improvement Habits and Trends shared vital insights about female shoppers and their complex relationship with the home improvement industry. Although women can purchase DIY products online, most (71 percent) prefer to visit a physical store. Women are instrumental to the profitability and growth of the home improvement industry since “93 percent of women have completed a DIY project in their home and spend an average of $2,300.” Yet, many women don’t feel accepted in these environments. • 1 in 10 don’t feel comfortable navigating large stores • 2 in 5 feel they are treated differently than men
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 13 • 1 in 5 feel judged when they ask for help • 16 percent were made to feel stupid for asking for help WHY WOMEN LIKE WORKING ON PROJECTS Women enjoy saving money and feel that completing their projects is a good financial decision. Nine in ten women surveyed mentioned the cost-cutting benefit of DIY projects. Others said it gives them a sense of accomplishment and an opportunity to have fun while improving their indoor or outdoor living spaces. • 72 percent feel confident completing a home improvement project • 78 percent find projects enjoyable • 54 percent enjoy working with their hands • 53 percent like learning practical skills BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PARTNERS When it comes to figuring out home improvement projects, two heads can work better than one. Women with partners often defer to their partners to complete DIY tasks for them. Even so, one in five women determines which projects will be done. But when it comes to picking up supplies, couples prefer to shop together for the items they need. • 81 percent of women ask their partners to complete DIY projects • 69 percent visit home improvement stores as a couple • 69 percent of women say their partners are handy • 37 percent of women think their partners do more work than they do LEARNING TO BE HANDY It pays for homeowners and apartment dwellers to be handy. Most women credit YouTube videos, TikTok, and their fathers for their DIY skills. Women are adept at finding a stud and patching walls (76 percent), replacing doorknobs (71 percent), resetting a blown fuse (69 percent), and relighting a pilot light (51 percent). Overall, three in five women consider themselves handy. However, before the work begins, women seek inspiration for their home improvement projects to ensure they turn out as planned. YouTube (50 percent) and Pinterest (46 percent) are primary sources of inspiration. Google (42 percent) is a close third. Women also look for inspiration by watching home improvement TV shows, talking to family and friends, on TikTok and Instagram, and in magazines. Women want to understand what is required of them to transform the vision they have for their home into reality. Eighty-eight percent of them even come equipped with their tool kits. • 91 percent of Baby Boomers and Gen Xers own a toolkit • 87 percent of Millennials and 80 percent of Gen Z own a toolkit • 73 percent of women don’t like “girly” tools • Nearly one in two Gen Zers prefer “girly” tools OBSERVATIONS FOR INDEPENDENTS The findings in the Nationwide Survey of American Women’s DIY Home Improvement Habits and Trends can help identify opportunities to improve the interactions and communications between store employees and female customers. Responding to women’s concerns in the survey and understanding their motivations benefit retailers and their customers. kasto80 / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Register for this event and improve your margins! Contact us today. Pat McCutcheon, VP of Sales: 1-800-333-0520 | [email protected] House-Hasson Hardware Company: Knoxville, TN | www.househasson.com See more event details! 2024 June 13-15
Coming soon in 2024! **Please speak with your salesperson for more information.** House-Hasson Hardware Company: Knoxville, TN | www.househasson.com CipherLab® (P.O.S.) Ordering System Order Check-In/Tracking Payment System Invoice Look-Up Profit Reports Manage Customizations
16 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS loyalty programs and conduct transactions. The group relies on smartphones, virtual assistants, and wearables to help manage their lives. Unlike older generations who are wary of artificial intelligence (AI), Gen Z views the technology favorably and uses it for social media, content development, editing, and other tasks. This generation of workers is beginning to enter the workforce in significant numbers and will have a lasting impact on the housing market and the home improvement industry. MARKETING PRODUCTS EFFECTIVELY Selling glitz and glam may work for older generations, but this marketing approach is less persuasive with G en Z consumers are socially conscious and are key in shaping the nation’s perspectives on sustainability, mental health, and racial equity. Representing 20 percent of the U.S. population, children and young adults born between 1997 and 2012 command $360 billion in buying power. As the first generation born after the launch of the Internet, Gen Z is adept at using all facets of technology and prefers to shop and conduct most transactions online. CENTERING LIFE ONLINE To prepare for the next evolution in shopping, independent retailers must create a seamless online experience that makes it convenient for Gen Z shoppers to interact with the store’s Gaining the Loyalty of Gen Z Shoppers
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 17 Gen Z consumers. These individuals tend to be skeptical of “canned” messages and prefer to base their opinions on feedback from social media, friends, and personal experiences. Environmentally friendly products and brands that support social causes are treasures to these shoppers. Here are more ways to connect with Gen Z consumers. • Acknowledge their values and identities. • Ninety percent will pay more for products that benefit society STRETCHING THEIR DOLLARS Spending wisely and receiving value for their money are essential considerations for Gen Z since those who are working are in the early stages of their careers. Sharing different ways to get the best deals is a hot topic of conversation among friends on social media and in online communities. Statistics indicate young consumers are twice as likely to buy a product based on referrals from a friend. • Offer free shipping • Promote discounted products CREATING MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT While younger consumers can be loyal to specific brands, they are willing to consider other options if the product is less expensive or better quality. Keeping Gen Z engaged can be challenging and requires more than spending money on traditional ad campaigns. They want to feel like they are being seen and heard rather than being talked to in mass. Messaging should be personalized, and retailers should incorporate gaming elements into the promotion. • Include app-based interactions on websites and loyalty programs • 65 percent of customers have purchased virtual items that only exist within a video game • Interactive features let Gen Z shoppers interact, share knowledge, and collaborate MEETING EVOLVING EXPECTATIONS Gen Z expects an exciting buying experience and is unwilling to settle for less. These consumers are visually and emotionally stimulated by gaming and virtual reality. It’s also essential to offer various payment options besides cash or credit to enable shoppers to make transactions using their preferred method. Consider accepting Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Wallet, and Buy Now Pay Later financing. USE A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH Capturing the attention of Gen Z requires a multi-faceted approach since many of their preferences are based on how individuals interact with technology. As digital natives, Gen Z’s view of the world differs from that of earlier generations. These individuals make purchasing decisions through a very personalized lens. The products they buy are in harmony with who they are and the causes that matter to them. Independent retailers should recognize they need to create an online experience that meets the needs of this new generation without alienating existing customers. It’s critical to attract new shoppers, remain competitive, and position the business for long-term growth. Since every generation appreciates an authentic company that supports causes in their local community, expand on these strengths and update your website to incorporate elements that appeal to younger generations. FG Trade / E+ / GettyImages
How to Build Your Business with Streamlined Technology The role of technology in running a business is critical. In today’s market, where customer data is crucial to personalizing customer experiences, independent retailers require a reliable partner to help them compete with big box retailers. For retailers, it’s a complex and highly demanding new world. Data breaches can cause significant financial and reputational damage if organizations fail to safeguard customer data. The proliferation of technology has forced retailers to seek solutions that integrate seamlessly. Add labor shortages to the mix, and business owners face an even more complex challenge. With disruptions increasing the need for business continuity in retail, cloud technology is becoming a significant driver of change. Rapid acceleration of cloud business solution adoption is happening across retail; 46 percent of retailers have now shifted to the cloud for all or most of their business processes, while 24 percent are using a balance of cloud and on-premises solutions. Retailers can cut costs drastically and free up staff because they no longer must purchase, update, and maintain servers, software, and networking equipment. And they don’t need to worry about power requirements, storage capacity, and computer hardware. Cloud computing gives retailers of any size the ability to increase capacity and apply new capabilities quickly and affordably. It improves flexibility and control, too. Retailers decide who has access to which data and applications, and how data is shared throughout the organization. Process streamlining and task automation free up staff to work on higher-value tasks. Cloud solutions harmonize data from core operations in-store and online, and across multiple locations, into consolidated views. Advanced analytics through artificial intelligence and machine learning sharpen decision-making in core operations, including inventory, supply chain, pricing, orders, margin management, and sales forecasting. From adding users to increasing bandwidth or boosting storage capacity, cloud capabilities help retailers stay ahead of the game. In the fast-changing retail world, the cloud helps adapt. As the most experienced retail software provider, Epicor Software Corporation is a dedicated partner that provides businesses with the capabilities they need to focus on creating the customer connections that set independent retailers apart. Epicor retail management solutions go beyond helping businesses get the job done — it helps accelerate retail growth and profitability with futureready technology that helps brands expand their reach while also protecting their business from disruption. To learn more about Epicor for Retail and how to take advantage of their services today, visit their website at epicor.com/hardware.
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20 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS SOLUTIONS S tarting your own business is not for the faint of heart. There is no template to follow that prevents owners from making mistakes when they try something new. However, entrepreneurs are naturally risk-takers, and their agility helps them stay focused and keep going. Small businesses can adjust to change quickly and redirect in midstream. Because the chain of command is short, the power to make critical decisions resides with a few people. Since about 85 percent of small businesses have less than 20 employees, passing the buck to the next person may not be an option. It’s no wonder that small businesses are a hub of creativity and innovation. The practices and principles inherent to their health and well-being are now part of their DNA. While large corporations may attempt to ingrain similar best practices into their culture, their size and bureaucracy often prevent change from happening. Even small Big Business Should “Think Small” to Change their Culture ©2019 Ground Picture/Shutterstock
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 21 businesses should periodically take a refresher course to reflect on their path to success. As organizations evolve to their next level of growth, owners should continue to apply these best practices. LIMIT BUREAUCRACY It can take days or weeks for someone to make decisions in a large company. There are meetings, approvals, and then more meetings to secondguess the earlier approvals. Entrepreneurs connect time with money and have the flexibility to make decisions quickly. Home improvement retailers maximize their resources and are willing to form connections in the community or with vendors to develop workable solutions. An inability to streamline processes can make even the simplest tasks unwieldy and frustrating. THINK LIKE AN ENTREPRENEUR Juggling limited resources motivates entrepreneurs to think of unconventional answers to their most challenging problems. They can explore creative ideas to improve the company’s processes or seek innovations that fix the problem. Organizations keep their competitive edge in a rapidly changing marketplace. With limited funding and lacking hundreds of employees, business owners keenly know there is little room for errors. BE OPEN TO NEW IDEAS One of the pitfalls large corporations face is the inability to move beyond the status quo. Consistently following established routines, no matter how counterproductive, becomes the norm. Because small businesses are structured to adapt to shifts in their environment on short notice, they must be agile to survive. Small organizations don’t have the luxury of being tied to old ideas that hinder their progress. BUILD A CULTURE BASED ON TRUST Owners must have a team of employees with the skills and motivation to help the business grow and be successful. When businesses have a culture of trust, employees are treated with respect, and their opinions matter to the company. Many independent hardware stores are family-owned businesses that hire employees from the community. Building a culture that fosters collaboration is easier for smaller establishments. BE AGILE AND MOVE ON QUICKY Today’s customers lack patience and move on quickly to something new. Businesses must respond to meet their ever-changing demands. It’s critical for entrepreneurs to keep an eye on the ground floor and focus on the challenges in front of them. If you are open to taking risks, it’s easy to try innovative technology or introduce new products into your store. You’ll discover what services and products your customers like and learn from your mistakes. HAVE A CAN-DO ATTITUDE “Can’t” is often used to kill ideas and opportunities before they take root. Brainstorming sessions are an excellent opportunity for employees to share thoughts and opinions on improving the business. These people answer customers’ questions and understand the types of products they want to purchase. Even if owners think someone needs a better idea about stocking expensive products, who knows, customers may be willing to overlook the higher price for better quality, readily available merchandise. The constraints that small businesses face lead owners to be creative thinkers who see opportunity in challenging times. Since these operations are not bound by the bureaucracy found in large corporations, they adapt to change quickly and make decisions in real-time to stay competitive.
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24 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT COMPANY MILESTONES What categories/products are trending now and popular with kids? Typically, when one thinks of trends, one expects to hear about particular themes. With impulse products specifically, the trends are less about the theme and more about the play pattern. Slime, for example, is a trend that is here to stay, and there are so many different categories of slime. Fidget items are still trending strong, though leaning more toward the quieter fidget items that may be less conspicuous. Another play pattern I don’t see trending down is squishy/stretchy. These are all high-touch sensory input play patterns, which studies continue to show are important. They help calm and relax children (and adults). Should regionality and seasonality be considered in a retailer’s purchasing decisions? The most profitable toy programs in hardware are impulse-driven (like our Joy Towers) and are not typically impacted by regional or seasonal trends. However, we have many lines of toys and activities that are seasonal, regional, or both. My favorite brands, Beetle and Bee and Outdoor Discovery, often perform best in Spring and Summer! These are our kids’ gardening and outdoor exploration lines that focus on getting kids outside, whether that is out on the balcony, in a neighborhood park, or in a national forest! I especially love Beetle and Bee in hardware stores with successful garden sections or nurseries. The line was designed with today’s parents in mind. It is beautiful and contemporary, with colors that won’t get lost in the grass. All the tools in the line are high-quality—made of metal and FSC-certified wood. This means that the trees harvested for use in this line are from certified, sustainable harvesting methods. T oys have a unique way of bringing happiness and brightening the day. Some toys are squishy, just waiting to be squeezed. Others are perfect for calming fidgety hands and slowing down busy feet. And, of course, toys can help children learn to use their imaginations in the most remarkable ways. But they are always designed for you to have fun. Kylie Whitehead, Toysmith’s National Key Accounts Manager, loves her job. She “talks toys” at every opportunity and can be spotted playing with her favorites at every convention. While some think toys are only for kids, Kylie also wants adults who are young at heart to get in on the action. Kylie believes toys are ideal impulse items for retailers who want to generate sales at checkout and create visual excitement at critical locations throughout the store. She shared her insights with our Editor to help store owners learn more about the company and the retail solutions Toysmith offers to build community and grow their businesses. Is Toysmith a familyowned business? Toysmith began its journey in 1982 as a family-owned and operated business with the Water Snake, an item that has consistently remained a top seller. Over the past 42 years, the company has transitioned ownership. Still, our core values and objectives have remained steadfast: bringing joy to consumers while providing our retailers the best possible customer service. Delivering Joy and Laughter One Toy at a Time
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 25 Outdoor Discovery does well in communities near state and national parks and areas with an influx of camping tourism. It was designed to make the outdoors accessible and offers classic exploration items like binoculars and compasses, as well as unexpected gems like our best-selling Hoot N Holler Animal Caller. How should toys be positioned and merchandised at independent retailers? When a hardware store begins to offer kids’ products, I always suggest starting with impulse programs strategically placed near the store entrance. These programs thrive in high-traffic areas and send a clear message to shoppers: families are welcome. We strengthen community bonds and cultivate lifelong loyal customers by fostering a shopping environment where parents and families feel at ease with their children. For inline programs, such as our Beetle and Bee kids gardening line of tools and activities, I urge buyers to consider what adults are seeking that these products would complement. This often entails positioning children’s gardening tools and activities in the garden section or nursery. Remember, just because an item is designed for children doesn’t mean that its ideal location in-store is a conventional “toy” section. What are some tips and ideas for visual merchandising? Kids’ products won’t be their first stop when folks enter a hardware store. That’s why showcasing those toys and activities in high-traffic areas is so important. Utilize end caps and our variety of displays, and keep products at eye level for the kids. One of the things I enjoy helping stores with is merchandising. That’s why Toysmith has so many options—for all our lines. No matter your store’s layout or size, we have the right merchandising solution for you! How often should towers be refreshed? Our Joy Towers typically turn 2.5 to 4 times yearly, depending on store traffic and placement. Look at your assortment once or twice a year. The entire program sells a little better when there is a sense of newness—even if it is just one or two items. And with hundreds of toy tower-compatible products, there are more than enough options to give you that freshness! However, keeping your towers full is even more critical than freshness in a tower! A tower full of products is more fun to shop and, in turn, sells better. What products do you recommend for retailers with limited space? The products I suggest always depend on the space retailers have available. However, you can’t go wrong with impulse items. My top picks are our Mini Tape Measurer, the timeless Wind-Up Chick, and any of our slimes. If you’ve got floor space to spare, I recommend a freestanding solution. Our Joy Towers consistently deliver the most impressive impact and sell-through rates. However, if space is limited, we also offer smaller corrugate solutions that are perfect for seasonal impulse products. In what ways does Toysmith differ from competitors? What sets Toysmith apart is our exceptional merchandising solutions. We go above and beyond to simplify bringing kids’ products into your store. We offer free freight to all 50 states and no minimum order requirements to ensure that retailers can effortlessly keep their programs well-stocked and visually appealing. Plus, we’re continuously fine-tuning our
26 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 MANUFACTURER SPOTLIGHT COMPANY MILESTONES curated assortments so retailers always have the best-selling products in their program sets. What is your philosophy on the importance of customer service? Customer service is incredibly important to us at Toysmith. That’s why we have worked hard to simplify ordering and information-finding. The team is constantly striving to improve our buyers’ ordering experience—our website is incredibly easy to use. However, we know that not everyone likes to order online, so we also accept orders over email. We want you to order in whatever way is easiest for you. What is the one thing you want our readers to know about Toysmith? I love my job with Toysmith. I love introducing hardware retailers to the world of children’s toys, gifts, and activities. It is genuinely so fun. If you ever visit me at a hardware trade show, the probability that I am actively playing with our toys is very high. But here’s the best part: our products aren’t just about boosting impulse sales or increasing your average ring. More importantly, they bring genuine joy to your customers and community. At Toysmith, we deliver ‘more joy beyond the toy.’ MARCH 21, 2024 (CHICAGO)—True Value Company has received the inaugural “ESG and Community Award” from Allergy Standards, an international certification leader in healthier indoor environments. The award recognizes True Value’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, as well as the company’s dedication to community development. For six years and counting, True Value has undergone the rigorous certification process with Allergy Standards and its partner Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America to earn the distinction of labeling its paint asthma & allergy friendly® certified. During this time, True Value’s award-winning paint has been used at hundreds of schools, youth centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Habitat for Humanity projects, in addition to millions of homes. “It’s a privilege to lead remarkable teams and to partner with community-focused independent retailers all dedicated to the highest quality paint and ensuring it is easily accessible to those who need it,” said John Vanderpool, Senior Vice President of True Value Manufacturing. “Your home should reflect your family’s life, from scratch-resistant finishes and the latest colors to environmentally safer formulas. EasyCare paint gives every homeowner the confidence they are using a healthier product for their indoor spaces where all of us are spending more and more time with loved ones.” To read the complete press release refer to the TrueValue.com. True Value Receives International Award for Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly Paint Kylie Whitehead, Toysmith’s National Key Accounts Manager Dr. John McKeon, Steve Terpstra, John Vanderpool, Jenna Riemenschneider
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 27 How to Plan Events and Promotions that Work! Illustrations © Nesterenkoruslan | Dreamstime.com S o, are you preparing your store for an in-store event? These types of promotions are ideal for bringing in new customers and strengthening your relationship with existing customers. Events enhance the in-store shopping experience and can create a buzz in the community about your establishment. When done correctly, they can lift both short-term and long-term sales. The promotion should have a central theme and focus on products, seasons, months dedicated to causes, holidays, or whatever you feel will appeal to customers. Events must also have a purpose beyond having fun. Start with a goal and follow up with a detailed plan to achieve the desired results. WHAT IS THE GOAL? Have a clear understanding of the specific goal you would like to achieve. Some events are designed to improve sales or acquire new customers for the business. After certain holidays, excess inventory may need to move quickly to prepare for the upcoming season. You can promote an assortment of products. For example, October is fire safety month. That is a broad theme that is relatable to homeowners and apartment dwellers. WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS YOU WANT TO REACH? There may be times when you want to target a specific group of customers to attend the event. This is where customer data can be helpful. Inviting people who have purchased lawn products would be ideal candidates to participate in a lawn care class conducted by the manufacturer’s rep. Holding a Ladies’ night event can generate sales for everything from housewares to tools. Whether your customers are Millennials, Boomers, Gen Z, or Pros, you can tailor a promotion to attract specific demographics. ESTABLISH THE RIGHT TIMING What works for one store will only sometimes work for another business regarding when-to-time sales and events. Independent retailers operate establishments in various parts of the country where climates differ, and many products are geared to specific regions. What is “too early” for one store may be “too late” for another business. It’s critical to get the timing of your seasonal promotions right. CONSIDER THE PRODUCT’S AFFORDABILITY Although most products in hardware stores are relatively affordable, items such as grills, power tools, and multicookers can be expensive. Shoppers may want to spread their spending to enable purchases to fit into their budget. Whereas impulse items are typically inexpensive, buying oversized tickets requires additional thought before deciding. Store owners can overcome this hurdle by offering various payment options that do not require financing by the business. ACCOMMODATE YOUR CUSTOMERS Do you plan to open early or close the store later during the promotion to accommodate your customers? People appreciate retailers willing to go the extra mile to be helpful. Inviting female customers to do holiday shopping during a festive ladies’ night can start an annual tradition. Offering customers free assembly on high-end grills is a bonus most people would appreciate. Promoting these sales and offers is an incentive to shop your business. Rather than planning several short promotions, extend the timing of each sale to build momentum and enable more customers to benefit from them. LEVERAGE YOUR RESOURCES Think about what resources you need to put in place to coordinate sales, events, and special offers to prevent any glitches when the promotions are launched. The plan you develop should take an omnichannel approach that integrates your online business or website and what happens in the physical store. Planning is a team effort. Create a checklist of everything that needs to happen. Include a planning calendar and budget. And each employee’s roles and responsibilities. The earlier you start planning, the better. The calendar should include dates of every promotion, tasks that need to be completed, holiday vacations, and work schedules. Share the information with the team. Now is the time to Identify the promotions and steps your business needs to take to capture sales in the months ahead.
30 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 F olks who help children and our neighbors who need assistance can be life changers. When times are tough, it’s important to know that someone cares. Businesses and individuals donate money, time, and resources to support people in local communities, and worldwide. Whether the causes are well-known or “fly below the radar,” everyone’s efforts are appreciated. BASEBALL BBQ: PITCH IN FOR BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL Youth sports help kids build character, leadership skills, confidence, and resiliency. Kids in underresourced areas often need help affording the equipment needed to play baseball and softball. Our mission is to eliminate barriers by providing equipment directly to leagues, schools, and organizations around the world that are most in need. This nonprofit organization collects and distributes gently used baseball and softball equipment to underserved communities. They want to bring the game of baseball to anyone who wants to play. For details on how you can support this organization, https://pitbs.org CENTRAL INDIANA ACE HARDWARE GROUP: CHRISTMAS TREE FARM FOR RILEY CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Central Indiana Ace Hardware Group (CIA) and Riley Children’s Foundation teamed up to help brighten the rooms of children staying at Riley Children’s Hospital with the Ace Christmas Tree Farm. Children were invited to select their own four-foot artificial Christmas tree to decorate with lights and ornaments and keep in their room for the holiday season. The Ace Christmas Tree Farm was set up in a common area in the hospital for all patients to access. It was supported by a team of Ace employee volunteers from various stores in the central Indiana area. Donations from stores in the CIA group funded the trees and all decorating supplies. We want to hear from you. Let us know how your company is Doing Good in the Neighborhood. Send our editor a note or press release via email at wanda@ cuttingedgeproducts.org. THE LOWES FOUNDATION: AWARDS OVER $6 MILLION TO SHORE UP AMERICA’S SKILLED TRADES WORKFORCE The Lowes Foundation has selected ten community-based nonprofits as Gable Grant recipients to enhance their innovative skilled trades training programs. These nonprofits expand the foundation roster of grant recipients to 24 organizations offering inclusive and scalable training programs in 25 states nationwide. “Skilled trades built our country. But the rate we’re on, by 2050, there won’t be enough electricians to keep the lights on,” said LaToya Faustin, executive director of She Built This City, one of the two Gable Grants recipients in Charlotte. “For many people, these careers represent a change in the direction of their lives because they’re empowered to say, “I can do this.” The grants are the latest investment in the Lowe’s Foundation’s five-year, $50 million commitment to support training 50,000 people for skilled trades careers. TRUE VALUE: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY’S JIMMY & ROSALYNN CARTER WORK PROJECT True Value leaders were among the hundreds of volunteers working alongside country music superstars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to build a community of 39 new homes in Charlotte, North Carolina. “True Value is committed to the communities where we live and work, and we’re proud of our active participation and ongoing involvement with Habit for Humanity,” said Chris Kempa, CEO of True Value Company. “Our commitment goes beyond business, and our donation aligns perfectly with the Carter Work Project’s efforts to make a substantial impact on affordable housing and creating safe, stable environments for families to thrive.” 3M FOUNDATION: THE ABILITY ONE PROGRAM Since 1938, AbilityOne has helped thousands of people who are blind or have significant disabilities learn skills and self-sufficiency by producing products for the government. By empowering these individuals, the AbilityOne program is changing lives, breaking down barriers, and promoting a more inclusive society. During its more than 30 years of participation in AbilityOne, 3M has worked with numerous nonprofit agencies, including the National Industries for the Blind, to create pathways to success for hundreds of people with disabilities. “We have a long history of supporting the AbilityOne program,” said Troy Gerry, vice president of 3M Government Markets. “We will continue to look at ways to grow that relationship to create more opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired.” ©2011 Digital Media Pro/Shutterstock.
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 31 Community Helps Store Owner Put New Twist on Coat Drive When Wasko Hardware owner Susan Wasko saw a need for coats in her Keosauqua, Iowa community a few years ago, she decided to create a coat drive in her store. But she didn’t want to hold a typical coat drive, where her store simply served as a drop-off location for unused coats that would then get picked up, sorted, and distributed elsewhere. Susan saw an opportunity to streamline the process and meet peoples’ needs even faster as temperatures outside dropped. “We removed the middleman and created spots out front and just inside our store where customers and neighbors can drop off unused coats on a designated rack, says Susan. “If you have one to give, just hang it up. If you need one, stop by and pick out one on the rack, no questions asked. They can simply grab a coat and go. After we close in the evenings, we set the coats outside so anyone who can’t make it to the store during store hours has access to them. We also don’t want to make anyone feel bad if they need a coat so they can stop and pick one out when things are closed.” Susan also made sure to promote it on their Facebook page as a coat drive with a twist, and the immediate response was remarkable. That one social media post spurred more than a dozen coat donations in less than 24 hours and more than 30 coats in under a week. “We’re so proud of our community for stepping up, and it makes my heart warm knowing we’re helping,” she says. Since then, a local 4-H Group has asked if they could donate new gloves. They wanted to do something for our community and decided a glove drive would go great with the coat drive. “We’ve also had people donate new warm socks. Some of our customers have come into the store and said while they didn’t have any coats to donate could they donate money and asked that I purchase the sizes that were needed. I was so pleased as I needed a special size for a gentleman and I was able to order him a new, warm coat and give it to him a few days later.” Susan also served as Past-president of the Keosauqua Community Food Bank and will continue to print off flyers promoting the coat drive to hand out to the clients when they come by to pick up their food. Since beginning the coat drive at Wasko Hardware, Susan has been so pleased at the outpouring of the community to help our people in need. It is Susan’s belief that no one should go hungry or cold. Wasko Hardware is in Keosauqua, Iowa, and is a small community. There is no shelter for warmth or for heat during the summer. Wasko Hardware proudly opens their doors for anyone who needs warmth in the winter or to cool off in the summer. They have even had customers bring in soups and other food for anyone that comes in. We have a big Kitchen & Bath Showroom and we set up tables in it so people can sit and visit. We put the coffee on first thing in the morning and invite people to come in. Contributor: Do It Best Corp.
The high value service you deliver should be supported by high value products. Pavestone’s durable concrete pavers, walls, step stones and decorative landscape rock stand up to time and the elements, and they come in a variety of styles and naturally created colors, to suit your customer’s need, for their whole project. Plus, these products can be stored outside, so no need to worry about internal space constraints. Learn more, now, by following the QR code! The high value service you deliver should be supported by high value products. Pavestone’s durable concrete pavers, walls, step stones and decorative landscape rock stand up to time and the elements, and they come in a variety of styles and naturally created colors, to suit your customer’s need, for their whole project. Plus, these products can be stored outside, so no need to worry about internal space constraints. Learn more, now, by following the QR code! LEARN MORE
34 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT LAWN & GARDEN PLANTS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABILITY Selecting plants that are good for specific locations is essential to green landscaping. Retailers selling plants or operating greenhouses should also consider adding native plants or cultivars to their traditional plant assortments. These live goods may attract diverse customers and engage shoppers who may be bird lovers or conservationists. Since native plants are regional, seek vendors who understand the types of plants that will thrive in your area. Consult with local experts who can help you avoid purchasing invasive species. Selling drought-tolerant plants to homeowners who live in arid regions in the west and southwest where water usage is restricted or in limited supply enables shoppers to continue to enjoy the natural beauty of plants. Additionally, people are saving money by replacing fencing with landscape hedges that form a living wall that provides a natural habitat for wildlife. COMPOST AND OTHER ORGANIC MATERIALS Nearly 70 percent of the polluted water results from stormwater runoff, and about one-third of these pollutants are due to chemicals used in yards and homes. Green gardeners avoid using chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. Instead, they depend on organic materials and compost in the soil to grow healthy plants. Over time, you may notice fewer traditional lawns and more clover fields. Clover lawns require less water and fertilizer and are beneficial for bees and other pollinators. ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS Green enthusiasts are also using recycled alternatives for traditional hardscaping materials. Permeable pavers are better for their purposes than concrete because the material allows water to seep into the ground instead of running into storm B eing part of a community working towards a common goal resonates with Gen Z and Millennials. Understanding the causes both generations are passionate about will help retailers select products that appeal to these audiences. Sustainable landscaping is more than a trend that will eventually fade away. Younger homeowners and people committed to being environmentally friendly have made going green a lifestyle that dictates their buying decisions. The eco-landscaping concept applies commonly accepted economic principles to creating healthy, revitalized, and viable landscapes. Ultimately, the practice will save money, time, and energy and protect the environment. Perhaps that is why sustainability has become a topic of conversation for people who are purchasing a home. The results of a recent National Realtors Association Survey found: • 51 percent of real estate professionals say their clients are interested in sustainability • 12 percent say green features are the reason they bought their home • 10 percent say landscaping for energy conservation is important Getting Back to the Simple Life with Sustainable Landscapes ©2017 Lois GoBe/Shutterstock
Where great backyards begin. Beauty and strength go together with Outdoor Accents® decorative hardware from Simpson Strong-Tie. We’re always expanding our Mission Collection® and Avant Collection™ lines with new products and accessories, making it easy to enhance backyard structures and living spaces. Both lines feature an innovative hex-head washer and fastener combo for the look of a bolted connection that installs as easily as driving a screw. Plus, our code-listed connectors and fasteners are rigorously tested for performance. So whether you’re designing a pergola, pavilion or patio cover, it will be strong, safe and beautiful for years to come. Dream it. Design it. Build it. To see all of our Outdoor Accents decorative hardware, visit go.strongtie.com/outdooraccents or call (800) 999-5099. Mission Avant Outdoor Living Solutions | Products, Software and Service for Smarter Building ©2024 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. M-C-OA23-A
36 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT LAWN & GARDEN sewers that connect to waterways. Other popular materials include river stones, recycled plastic, and sustainably harvested bamboo. Garden Centers that offer landscaping design may consider giving customers the option to go green. EQUIPMENT TO CONSERVE MOISTURE There are several environmentally friendly ways for homeowners to conserve or manage water. Placing organic mulch around the yard or garden is a common practice to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. Rain chains are easy to use and replace the downspout to manage the flow of water that would otherwise rush through the downspout. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, collecting water in rain barrels can save up to 1,300 gallons of water during summer. The water is suitable for plants since it is free of minerals and chlorine and doesn’t require filtering. While the costs of rain arrows run the gamut, they offer significant benefits that make them a worthwhile investment. • Saves homeowners money on water bills • Conserves water in dry conditions or droughts • Reduces pollutants that enter the waterways from stormwater runoff • Prevents overflowing water that causes soil erosion LAWN CARE EQUIPMENT A push mower is one of the best ways to get a good workout and maintain the lawn. Some homeowners choose this tool because it doesn’t emit pollution. Since manual mowers don’t have engines or require tune-ups, many people consider them more economical than gas mowers—especially those who want to reduce their carbon footprint. While electric mowers are another option, they may be less attractive to conservationists since they require energy to operate. Saving time, energy, and money are all factors to be considered when maintaining a sustainable landscape. KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE Living sustainably can be hard work since many of the comforts people are accustomed to may not fit into a green lifestyle. Using a push mower, composting, and catching run-off water may only be the beginning of a long list of progressive changes. However, homeowners committed to creating sustainable landscapes must buy plants, tools, soil, gardening equipment, and other things sold in a hardware store. Awareness of changing buying behaviors will help retailers make better purchasing decisions and attract younger customers who prefer organic and sustainable products. NORTHSTAR TOW-BEHIND SPRAYER #282785.NOR The NorthStar® Boom Broadcast and Spot Sprayer gives you the ability to do both precision and wide-coverage spraying. Equipped with a commercial-grade NorthStar NSQ Series® pump, it provides easier priming, exceptional durability and superior resistance to harsh environments and chemicals. The over-sized tank is secured to a heavy-duty steel cart that handles the roughest terrain. A retractable tow-bar, foldable boom arms, and removable axle and wheels allow for ultracompact storage. Tow behind your ATV or lawn/garden tractor. GREAT NORTHERN 800-822-0295 OR [email protected] VERSATILE GARDEN STAND. Silhouette & Stand planter stands can be used throughout your yard and garden. Elevate flowerpots, gazing balls, grapevine spheres, garden orbs, bird baths, pumpkins and all spherical and round outdoor decor. Silhouette & Stand can be adjusted to 2 heights from 18 to 40 inches tall. Line pathways, walkways and driveways to keep paths clear and add LED’s to light for safety and to keep cars on your driveway in winter months. Perfect for all year around. SILHOUETTE & STAND 650-690-5000 OR [email protected] ©2022 Maria Kuznecova/Shutterstock
40 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT LAWN & GARDEN POWERHORSE HIGH WHEEL TRIMMER The Powerhorse high-wheeled string trimmer tackles even the roughest terrain with its easy walk-behind design, effortless maneuverability, smooth-rolling 14-in. rear tires, and dependable 173 cc engine. This trimmer utilizes a fixed head with an offset design, offering a 22-in. cutting swath to cover more area faster. Do away with tall grass, weeds, and unwieldy brush quickly. Comes fully equipped and ready to work with a 16.9-oz. (500ml) bottle of oil, spark plug wrench, oil funnel, and 10-pack of 4mm x 4mm square trimmer lines. GREAT NORTHERN EQUIPMENT 800-822-0295 OR GNEDI.COM/115069 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID WITH MAXLIFE TECHNOLOGY Valvoline MaxLife Multi-Vehicle ATF is the full-synthetic automatic transmission fluid with MaxLife Technology that’s suitable for use in 95% of ATF vehicles in operation with US registered light duty applications. Formulated with advanced additives to prevent the major causes of transmission breakdown, it’s designed to help prevent leaks, reduce wear, and maximize performance—all for much longer than conventional fluids. It has improved thermal stability for longer fluid life, better viscosity stability for consistent transmission operation, and specific frictional enhancements for smooth gear engagements. For the many shifts and miles ahead, trust your transmission with Valvoline, the #1 automatic transmission fluid brand. VALVOLINE VALVOLINEGLOBAL.COM TWIST AND SEAL CORD DOCK New for 2024, the Cord Dock is a grab and go organization system for your extension cords. Cord Dock stays with the extension cord making it easy to wrap and store your cords without the bulk and hassle of using a cord frame. The quick release arm makes unwrapping your cord a breeze. More time finishing the job, less time wrangling cords. Proudly made in the USA TWIST AND SEAL 888-945-4545 OR TWISTANDSEAL.COM FLYPAD The all-new FlyPad from RESCUE! is the smarter way to trap flies. Flies are drawn to the sticky surface by specially designed colors and patterns, while TouchSafe Ridges keep hands and fingers from getting stuck. Thanks to its slim profile, FlyPad can be used indoors and outdoors in a variety of spots that are off-limits to other fly traps. RESCUE! PEST CONTROL PRODUCTS RESCUE.COM/BOOKNOW STEVEN ROTTENBERG, [email protected]
A SMARTER WAY TO STICK IT TO FLIES. Fed up with fl y tape? The FlyPad™ from RESCUE!® is a cleaner, smarter way to protect your home from fl ies. TouchSafe™ technology keeps your fi ngers away from the glue and our signature VisiLure® pattern attracts fl ies without chemicals. • Traps Flies, Not Fingers • Clean, Simple Setup • Works Everywhere from Glass to Garbage Cans Learn more at rescue.com/FlyPad
42 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT LAWN & GARDEN BRAVE TOWABLE AUGER (BRPA385H)B The new Brave BRPA385H towable earth auger is ideal for rental businesses, landscapers, and other outdoor professionals. The operator handle has a new design allowing height adjustment to be made with one hand. Powered by a Honda GX390 engine, the auger delivers the power and torque for most soil conditions. The tow bar is designed for quick and easy installation, and the hydraulic sight glass makes checking fluid levels simple. Effective for digging holes 6” to 18” and up to 48” deep. BRAVE 866-994-0902 OR GNEDI.COM/BRAND-BRAVE KINDLING CRACKER Make cutting kindling safer, quicker, and easier with the original patented Kindling Cracker. Made of high-quality cast iron, it’s built to withstand the rigors of regular use, and the compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport anywhere. With the Kindling Cracker, there’s no need for sharp, swinging blades, making it a safe choice for families. Create the perfect kindling for fireplaces, campfires, wood stoves, smokers, and more with the original Kindling Cracker. GREAT NORTHERN EQUIPMENT 800-822-0295 OR GNEDI.COM THE WEED DRAGON® 100K BTU PROPANE TORCH KIT Being Green is nothing new to Flame Engineering. The “Weed Dragon®” a torch kit that comes fully assembled, was developed for the growing number of homeowners concerned with the environment for natural weed control in gardening and other uses on their property. The 100,000 BTU Weed Dragon® quickly hooks up to any refillable propane tank (barbecue cylinders work great) and even comes with a handtighten tank fitting (you don’t even need a wrench!). Flaming is a simple process of exposing the weeds to intense heat and vaporizing the water in the leaf cells. Just a split-second exposure to the heat is adequate to kill weeds including the root. Flaming is environmentally friendly since the process kills weeds without the use of herbicides. A concern for the environment has popularized this simple and effective treatment of weed elimination. FLAME ENGINEERING, INC. 800-255-2469 OR HTTPS://FLAMEENGINEERING.COM/ COLLECTIONS/WEED-DRAGON-TORCH-KITS TWIST AND SEAL CORD VAULT The all new Cord Vault by Twist and Seal protects and secures multi cord and oversized cord connections. The patented enclosure and specialized sealing materials keep the cord connections dry in the harshest conditions. The lockout eyelets allow you to keep your connection secure. The Cord Vault is ideal for Y or T shaped connections as well as oversized RV or EV connections. Proudly made in the USA. TWIST AND SEAL 888-945-4545 OR TWISTANDSEAL.COM
WHEN IT COMES TO CONCRETE, WE MEAN BUSINESS. Quality, availability, service. They’re the simple ideas that Sakrete was founded on in 1936, and today’s commitment to our dealers across the nation. When you’re ready to stop truckin’ around with concrete and focus on the hard work of growing your business, it’s time to switch to Sakrete. Become a Dealer at Sakrete.com/Dealer TRUCK AROUND
44 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT IMPULSE AND HOME KINGSFORD® SIGNATURE FLAVORS FLAVOR BOOSTERS, 2-LB. BAG Elevate your everyday grilling with Kingsford® Signature Flavors Flavor Boosters infused with 100% Real Spices. These new Flavor Boosters come in three flavors: Basil, Sage, and Thyme; Garlic, Onion, and Paprika; and Cumin Chili. Get real spice and wood flavor from your grill for a smooth, balanced flavor that’s one of a kind. KINGSFORD CHARCOAL 901-395-4812 OR KINGSFORD.COM HANDCRAFTED KNIVES STEELPORT knives are handcrafted in Portland, Oregon by our small team of artisans. Our knives feature iconic design, functional custom details, all US-sourced materials, and have a lifetime warranty with free sharpening for life. STEELPORT is the only American forged knife that’s broadly available (we’re carried in over 100 retailers in the US, Canada and Japan!), combining traditional drop forging techniques with some modern innovations to create the best kitchen knife possible. The high-quality blades are constructed of drop-forged, full tang 52100 carbon steel with heattreated edges for sharpness and durability. Beautiful Oregon Big Leaf Maple Burl handles are ergonomically contoured for a comfortable grip. STEELPORT KNIFE COMPANY 503-498-8132 OR STEELPORTKNIFE.COM HOWARD UPHOLSTERY CLEANER Howard Products is proud to announce the launch of their latest innovation, Howard Products Upholstery Cleaner. This powerful and effective cleaner is designed to rejuvenate and restore your upholstery, leaving it looking fresh and vibrant. Howard Products Upholstery Cleaner is specially formulated to tackle tough stains and dirt while being gentle on your valuable furniture. Its advanced formula penetrates deep into fabric fibers, lifting away grime and impurities, without causing any harm to the material. This ensures that your upholstery maintains its original beauty and integrity. HOWARD PRODUCTS, INC. 805-227-1000 OR HOWARDPRODUCTS.COM SNAP N’ PATCH SMALL HOLE REPAIR KITS (SNP6) The ALLWAY® Snap N’ Patch Small Hole Repair Kits are a convenient all-in-one solution for quick and easy repair of nail and screw holes, cracks and gouges in drywall other surfaces. Each easy-to-use kit includes spackle, spreader and smoother. Just snap open the kit, squeeze the pod to fill the hole and spread the spackle. It can fill up to 30 typical size nail holes in drywall, wood, stucco and particle board. These kits have up to a twoyear shelf life. For optimal results, store unused kits indoors at room temperature. ALLWAY TOOLS ALLWAYTOOLS.COM STOP FLOOR SQUEAKS Squeeeeek No More stops annoying floor squeaks in carpeted and hardwood floors, from above the floor. The special screw is designed to safely pass through the carpet and break slightly below the floor, leaving nothing to see or feel with your bare foot. The kit includes a tool to find the joist in carpeted floors. In hardwood floors the screw snaps about ¼ inch below the surface. The screw looks like a finish nail that is counter sunk and can be easily concealed with wood filler. SQUEEEEEK NO MORE 800-459-8428 OR WWW.SNMCATALOG.COM
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 45 2402CUTEDGE_KrackCorn.indd 1 12/14/23 8:22 AM BITE AWAY® Bite Away is an FDA-cleared electronic medical device used for the external treatment of bites and stings from mosquitoes, wasps, bees, gnats, horseflies, and other insects. Bite Away® relieves the itch and pain from bites or stings, so you can get back to doing what you love. MIBETEC US INC 512-800-5036 OR WWW.TAKETHEBITEAWAY.COM CHEEZ-IT® PUFF’D® Taste the fun of puffy and airy, bite-sized squares baked with 100% real cheese inside and out. This snack satisfies your senses with an irresistible crunch followed by melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness that kids and adults crave. Flavors include: Double Cheese and White Cheddar. KELLOGG’S WWW.KELLOGGSSPECIALTYCHANNELS.COM THE GENERAL’S HOT SAUCE We make the highest quality, all-natural hot sauce using American grown peppers. All of our hot sauces are 86% peppers while most others are only 20-30% (they’re diluted with cheap vinegar or water). A great everyday seller, but a fantastic Father’s Day gift. Order via the Ace RSCs (Vendor #55209) or direct. We ship the same day, next day at the latest! THE GENERAL’S HOT SAUCE (803) 845-0745 OR GENERALSHOTSAUCE.COM
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT IMPULSE AND HOME WITH BIG BBQ FLAVOR HEAT UP MEMORIAL DAY USES NO LIGHTER FLUIDS! LOOFT LIGHTER 2 Starts your fire in 60 seconds! The Looft Lighter 2 is our most innovative product yet, combining smart technology and increased power for ultimate performance—1400°F superheated air starts your fire in seconds. It’s ideal for grills, firepits, pizza ovens, fireplaces, and campfires. This is our Strongest and fastest Looft Lighter. It has an Automated Ignition Program™ to give more control of the lighting process, and a brushless motor for increased power and durability. The HyperBoost™ increases airflow by 30 percent. The Looft Lighter 2 is the perfect way to enjoy grilled food every day without battling toxic lighter fluids. LOOFT LOOFT.COM JOY360 TOWER PREMIUM TOY DISPLAY Our Joy Tower 360° is a premium impulse toy display with clear acrylic bins and pegs on a durable scratch-resistant metal frame. This mobile, impulse category sales driver represents a curated assortment of the top selling Toysmith SKUs based on sales from over 10,000 small businesses and national chains across over a dozen channels. Start spreading joy in your part of the world today! TOYSMITH 360-281-3442 OR TOYSMITH.COM
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 47 2405CUTEDGE_Weber.indd 1 4/4/24 11:28 AM PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT TECHNOLOGY MIGHTY MULE FM231 WIRELESS DRIVEWAY ALARM SYSTEM The FM231 Wireless Driveway Alarm is ideal for gateless properties. This easy to install alarm notifies you with a chime on the included indoor base station when someone enters your driveway or property entrance. Featuring reliable electromagnetic technology that senses mass metals, the FM231 only detects vehicles, avoiding false alarm notifications. Up to 400 ft. wireless range from outdoor transmitter to indoor receiver. 12-month Mighty Mule warranty and technical support. MIGHTY MULE 800-421-1587 OR MIGHTYMULE.COM MIGHTY MULE SMART SOLARREADY DUAL GATE OPENER The MM572W dual swing gate opener is designed for heavy-duty DIY gate types up to 18 ft or weight of 850 lbs., including ornamental, chain link, tube, panel, vinyl, and wood. The Mighty Mule MM572W is solar capable, HomeLink® compatible, and can be controlled from anywhere using the Mighty Mule smart phone app with an optional MMS100 Wireless Connectivity Kit. Access detailed instructions, online how-to videos, 3-D installation guide app, technical support line and 24-hour online resources. Backed by a 12-month warranty. MIGHTY MULE 800-421-1587 OR MIGHTYMULE.COM RETAIL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Epicor Retail Management Systems are made with retailers, for retailers, to help increase efficiency, improve employee productivity, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate profitable growth. Simplify retail operations with essential capabilities ranging from POS and pricing to inventory and customer management, while gaining actionable insights that enable faster, betterinformed business decisions for retail excellence. Epicor Retail Management Systems include best-practice security measures and are delivered via modern technology and cloud-based solutions that easily scale with you as your retail business grows. EPICOR 800-999-1809 OR EPICOR.COM/RETAIL
48 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES FAST TRAFFIC CONCRETE MIX Sakrete—the original bagged concrete manufacturer—has launched a new mix engineered for the most demanding repair applications: Fast Traffic Concrete Mix. When time is money, there’s only one concrete mix for the job. Formulated to reach structural strength 3x faster than standard concretes, Fast Traffic is ready for vehicle traffic in just 24 hours instead of the typical 72 hours. That performance makes it the ideal solution for DOT, municipal and utility crews who need to get repairs back in action fast. Get Fast Traffic on your shelves and start catering to your high-performance customers by contacting your local rep or visiting Sakrete.com. SAKRETE SAKRETE.COM/DEALER RAPID RAFTER SQUARE The rafter square has not changed much in almost 100 years. That is until now… Introducing the all new Rapid Rafter. Rapid Rafter is a patent pending double-sided rafter square that allows you to mark both sides of the board without having to move the square. Save time and increase accuracy with the Rapid Rafter. RAPID RAFTER [email protected] WARP’S 42-GALLON AND 55-GALLON 3-MIL CONTRACTOR BAGS These bags are heavy-duty and hold up tough. The bags feature full 3-mil thickness and the handy dispenser cartons are stackable. There are no side seams to split or gussets to weaken the bottom. The bags include extralong twist ties so they are easy to seal. Made in USA. WARP BROTHERS 800-621-3345 EXT. 222 OR WARPS.COM FERRET LITE – MULTIPURPOSE WIRELESS INSPECTION CAMERA The Ferret Lite, designed and engineered by Ferret Tools, is a general-purpose high-quality inspection camera that allows you to see and reach where you can’t. Ideal inspection camera for all Homeowners & Professionals. Built-in WiFi with a range of up to 50-ft., 720p HD streaming, free Ferret App. The kit includes a full range of attachments & thread adaptors. FERRET TOOLS 312-485-2156 OR FERRETTOOLS.COM
May 2024 CUTTINGEDGE Products 49 In the area of the squeak, find the joist from above the floor using the Joist Finding tool in the kit. Then push the Alignment and Depth Control Fixture firmly into the carpet. STEP 1 Using the driver bit provided, drive the screw down as far as the fixture will allow. STEP 2 Slip the Screw Gripper over the screw head and rock the fixture left to right, snapping the head off. The screw breaks at the score that is set slightly below the wood of the floor. STEP 3 There is no damage to the carpet and nothing to feel with your bare foot. STEP 4 Squeeeeek No More® Floor Squeak Elimination Kit It stops floor squeaks quickly and easily from above the floor by going through the carpet. ELIMINATE PESKY FLOOR SQUEAKS Squeeeeek No More® includes a tool to quickly find the joist. This allows you to fasten the floor to the joist by driving the specially scored screw safely through the carpet. The head of the screw then gets snapped off, leaving nothing to see or feel in the carpet. This eliminates the need to move furniture, pull the carpet back, and restretch the carpet back to its original position. Ace Hardware #5106125 Do It Best #239992 True Value #811065 O’Berry Enterprises, Inc. 800-459-8428 9-5 CST For Carpeted and Hardwood Floors CHOREMASTER PRESSURE WASHER Mi-T-M Pressure Washers Deliver Incredible Cleaning Power. The Mi-T-M ChoreMaster® Series of coldwater pressure washers is built for do-ityourselfers and professionals to blast away mud, dirt and grime from any surface. These pressure washers feature a powerful OHV engine, direct drive pump and built-in detergent injector. The powder coated steel frame and flat-free tires make it easy to move from one cleaning job to the next and each unit comes with a durable hose, spray wand and quick connect nozzles. MI-T-M 800-553-9053 OR MITM.COM LEXEL ELASTIC SEALANT Lexel is the Tough Elastic Sealant for Every Job. Super-elastic. Superior adhesion. Paintable. It seals around anything: tubs and shower stalls, sinks and counter tops, window frames and door frames, PVC and metal drain pipes. Apply to wet or dry surfaces, indoors and outdoors. It’s tough and can handle up to 400% joint movement. It’s scrubbable. It sticks to just about anything. Lexel clear caulk is 19 times clearer than silicone and won’t yellow or cloud up over time. Lexel won’t let you down. Lexel is available in clear and white, and 10.5 oz. cartridges and 5 oz. squeeze tubes. SASHCO 800-767-5656 OR SASHCO.COM NEW! COLOR PUTTY New to the U.C Coatings family of high-performance wood care brands, COLOR PUTTY is “THE ORIGINAL” putty for filling nail holes or imperfections in woodwork, paneling, furniture, and cabinetry. COLOR PUTTY is uniquely formulated to maintain cushioned flexibility, ensuring that repairs won’t crack, shrink, or fall out. Available in 17 proprietary colors in both Oil-Based and Waterborne formulas, colors can be mixed to match virtually any wood tone. Learn more about the U.C Coatings product lineup, which also includes ABATRON and SEAL-ONCE. U-C COATINGS HTTPS://UCCOATINGS.COM
50 CUTTINGEDGE Products May 2024 PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT PAINT & SUNDRIES sought-after need and aspiration for humans,” said Eiseman. “When it comes to design, much of the harmony that is created is certainly because of the educated and creative use of color.” Nature creates abundant color. It runs the spectrum from muted to vibrant and any combination in between. Eisman mentions the inspiration found in rocks, flowers, plants, and other Earthly elements. Infusing their lives with color is consistent with consumers’ desires to seek harmony through balance and wellness. Outlets for self-expression and creativity can provide comfort and respite from feeling overwhelmed by technology. Pantone anticipates that popular culture will heavily influence color trends in the year ahead. Eiseman mentions upcoming movies such as “Asteroid City” and the new Batman movie. The first will be set in a desert town in the 1950s brimming with retro pastels; by contrast, Batman will be “dark and murky.” While the Smurfs and Toy Story sequels will be immersed in fun, bright colors. Does this mean neutrals are out? Eiseman suggests making them stand out by What’s ahead in 2025? Retailers who sell paint understand that color and inspiration influence consumer’s purchasing decisions. So, it’s little wonder that The Inspired Home Show bloomed with vibrant colors and innovative displays designed to fire the imagination. Lee Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, and the director of the Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training, shared insights on the home color trends that will be popular with consumers in 2025. “A New Harmony” was selected as the theme to represent the seven color palettes Pantone unveiled at the global home and housewares market. According to Eiseman, the palettes are inspired by several sources—including industry, movies, food, and, most significantly, nature. “Harmony is a beautiful word that conjures up certain pictures in your mind … being in tune with ourselves and with others within our immediate surroundings and the greater world around us. It also conveys a sense of balance, a sense of equilibrium, and a much Consumers will Create Harmony with Color in 2025 Pantone® View Home + Interiors Forecast