Imports at major ports in the U.S. are projected to remain high as cargo continues to come in at retailer demand ahead of growing tariffs on China and other countries, according to the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates Global Port Tracker report. Retailers have been frontloading imports on certain key products for many months … The post Import Cargo Levels Expected to Remain High Due to Rising Tariffs appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

Honeywell recently announced its intention to pursue a full separation of Automation and Aerospace Technologies following the completion of the company’s comprehensive business portfolio evaluation. Slated to be completed in the second half of 2026, the separation, paired with the previously announced plan to spin off Advanced Materials, will result in three publicly listed companies, … The post Honeywell Announces Separation Into Three Distinct Companies appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

In a lawsuit between two competing garden tool manufacturers, Woodland Tools Co. and Fiskars, the Federal District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin found Fiskars Brands Inc. and Fiskars Finland Oy Ab liable for false advertising. The court ordered Fiskars to pay over $1.4 million to Woodland Tools, adjust its packing of fourteen popular … The post Fiskars Ordered to Pay $1.4 Million to Woodland Tools in False Advertising Claims appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

The labor market for construction sector jobs remained lower than last year at the end of 2024, following a slow period associated with declines in some areas of the residential construction industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Overall, the number of open jobs decreased from 8.16 … The post Construction Job Openings Fall to Lowest Level Since 2017 appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

Houzz Inc. recently released its 2025 U.S. Houzz State of the Industry Report, detailing an outlook for 2025 performance in the residential construction and design businesses industries and a review of 2024 performance. The study reports more than 3 out of 5 firms in the construction and design sectors expect a positive business outlook in … The post Houzz State of the Industry Report Predicts Positive Outlook for 2025 appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

By Brian Bowerfind, president of LBM and Distribution Divisions, ECI Software Solutions, and Chris Fisher, VP of Global E-commerce and VP of Partnerships, ECI Software Solutions   The hardware, home improvement and building supply industry is evolving rapidly as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) reshape the market. Large corporations and private equity firms are aggressively expanding by … The post Riding the M&A Wave: What Independent Hardware Dealers Need to Know appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

As it celebrates 125 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) contacted past board members to get their reflections on their time at the association. Megan Menzer, owner of Newton’s True Value in Cherryvale, Kansas, was a member of the NHPA board from 2009 to 2017, serving as chairman in 2017. During her time … The post Reflections on NHPA’s History: Megan Menzer appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

As it celebrates 125 years, the North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) contacted past board members to get their reflections on their time at the association. Dan Harris, owner of Palos Ace Hardware and Lamont Ace Hardware in suburban Chicago, was a board member from 2011 to 2020 and help guide the association through several … The post Reflections on NHPA’s History: Dan Harris appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

Registration is now open for the 2026 EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair in Cologne, Germany. The leading international trade fair for the industry will take place March 3-6, 2026, at the Cologne fair grounds.  At EISENWARENMESSE International Hardware Fair, over 3,000 companies from 51 countries come together to share their products and innovations in home improvement, … The post Early Bird Registration for EISENWARENMESSE 2026 Now Open appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more

Outdoor living is a popular category at many independent home improvement retailers. In 2025, homeowners are rethinking how they use and enjoy their backyards—blending design with personalized touches and sustainability. “Homeowners today are thinking far beyond the basics of a patio and a grill,” says Adam Zambanini, COO for Trex Company. “They’re investing in outdoor … The post Trex Releases Outdoor Living Forecast appeared first on Hardware Retailing ..read more