20
Spring 2014 •
Hardlines
Strategies
MARKET PREVIEW
added bonus for purchasing Cash Coupon
items. Near the end of each day of the
Market, there will be a drawing for the
cash prizes.
Mini-Store
The assortments set at the Mini-Store
can help you see Blish-Mize’s best mer-
chandising practices. Introduced in 2012
as a real-world example of a retail envi-
ronment, this area will feature ways Blish-
Mize can help you create cohesive assort-
ments, no matter the size of your store.
Unlike previous Markets, where the Mini-
Store focused on a specific category, the
Mini-Store on display at the Spring Market
will cover all categories found in a hardware
store, including electrical, plumbing, build-
ers’ hardware, fasteners and more.
Because no two stores are alike, you’ll
have the option of customizing assort-
ments in each category based on what
works for your market—ranging from
dominant 28-foot bargain assortments to
4-foot convenience assortments.
“A narrow offering of each category
will be available, with a full 50-percent
discount on assortments offered there,”
Short says. “All items offered at the Mini-
Store will be also be available on 90-day
terms, allowing you to buy an assortment,
put it on the shelf and refresh that assort-
ment without a huge investment.”
The assortments set at the Mini-Store
will also allow you to see firsthand some
of the best practices of merchandising,
which will help you draw more sales and
create a more cohesive appearance for
your entire store.
Additionally, as it has been in past
years, the Mini-Store will offer you a look
at other programs and services that can
improve your retail operation, whether it’s
the totally customizable and economical
store signage program from Blish-Mize
or a complete POS system to help you
improve the efficiency of your business.
All promotions will be available through-
out the Market, taking some pressure off
you to make quick ordering decisions.
“There are no time constraints on
when you can place an order while at the
Market,” Short says.
Hardware House Updates
Also at the Mini-Store, you won’t want
to miss the wide range of product cat-
egories available from Hardware House,
Blish-Mize’s private label product line.
At the Market, you’ll notice sev-
eral updates to the Bath, Kitchen and
Lighting categories to complement the
existing programs available in each area,
says Dennis Bigler, Hardware House mer-
chandise manager.
The first is the upgrade and expansion
of Hardware House’s vanity top
program, which includes six new colors:
a basic color addition of Mexican Sand;
four new colors of cultured marble
granite in sand, walnut, pewter and
galaxy black; and a new two-tone granite
cappuccino style with a rectangular bowl.
New signage is also available to promote
this program.
Designer-style kitchen faucets featuring
a single-handle, gooseneck design with a
pullout sprayer are also new.
Two new shower rod styles in three
finishes all made of stainless steel are
new additions to the program as well.
There’s also a new design in the light-
ing category. With a classic bronze finish,
Essex is a richly-finished family of lighting
with eight different functional pieces and
includes a corresponding ceiling fan style.
Schedule of Events:
Friday, March 21, 2014
8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Market Tip Off!
10-10:30 a.m.
Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but
Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”
12-1 p.m.
Lunch
2-2:30 p.m.
Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but
Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”
5:15 p.m.
Cash Coupons Drawings
5:30 p.m.
Halftime! Market Closes for the Day
6-6:45 p.m.
Customer Appreciation Jack Stack BBQ
6:45-8 p.m.
Kansas City Improv Stars Show
8-9 p.m.
Customer Appreciation Social Hour
Saturday, March 22, 2014
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast Served
7:45-8:30 a.m.
Huddle Up! Breakfast & Learn Event:
Three Pennies for Profit - presented by NRHA
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Market Tip Off!
9:30-10 a.m.
Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but
Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”
12-1 p.m.
Lunch
1:30-2 p.m.
Smart Meeting (On the Show Floor): “Nothing but
Net...Profit & Three Points to a Better Bottom Line”
2:45 p.m.
Cash Coupons Drawings
3 p.m.
Game Over—See you in September!
