Spring 2018 Hardlines Strategies

BUYING MARKET

How Do You Go To Market?

Blish-Mize Buying Markets aren’t just about good deals and new products. They also offer customers the chance to meet with other retailers, catch up with those who have become friends and make the trip to Overland Park a fun experience that can lead to some great family memories. Sharri Fuller, who owns Toronto Lumber in Toronto, Kansas, came to the Fall Buying Market with her son, Drew Hoag, daughter-in-law Jessie Hoag, and granddaughter Elliot. Elliot celebrated her seventh birthday at the Buying Market, and the Blish-Mize staff got in on the fun by making sure Elliot had a special dessert during the visit. “Drew grew up going to the Markets with his mom, and it’s something we continued with our kids. We rotate which of our children we bring to each Market, so it’s a special time for each one. Blish-Mize makes it special for the family, which makes you want to bring them,” Jessie Hoag says. The family behind Andrew County Lumber in Savannah, Missouri, also makes the trips to the Buying Markets an experience for the whole family. Owner Kenny Fisher and his wife, Jola, have been bringing their sons, Jacob and Josh, to the Blish-Mize Buying Markets since they bought the business in 1988. The family used the trips as vacation opportunities, which the boys took full advantage of in their early years by going up and down the aisles in search of candy and gifts from vendors. The tradition has gone on to include the couple’s grandchildren, allowing another generation to enjoy the Buying Market experience. “Our boys have grown up and gone on to college and the military, but they still try to make it to the shows if at all possible,” Jola Fisher says. “Now they are passing on that tradition. Making it a family affair makes it a very enjoyable experience. Even one of our employees brings his family along to each show!”

Sharri Fuller, owner of Toronto Lumber, was joined at the Fall 2017 Buying Market by her family. From left are Sharri Fuller, Jessie Hoag, Elliot Hoag and Drew Hoag. Blish-Mize even helped celebrate Elliot’s seventh birthday with a special dessert.

Andrew County Lumber brought a large crew to the Fall 2017 Buying Market. Owner Kenny Fisher, fourth from left, brought, from left, Nakia, Jennifer, Jola, Farrah, Ellis, Katie, Margot and Jacob Fisher. Not pictured is Josh Fisher, who was on active duty with the U.S. Army and could not attend.

42 Spring 2018 • Hardlines Strategies