Spring 2014 Hardlines Strategies

MARKET PREVIEW

Additionally, to help you educate your customers about the benefits and key features of the Hardware House line, Hardware House is unveiling a new tri- fold brochure program at the Market. “These brochures are a simple, low- cost vehicle to present the general information on a specific category via a handout at the store, through the mail as a promotion or as a statement insert in your monthly billings,” Bigler says. Look at the new Hardware House catalog available online through www.hardware-house.com. Retail Services booth to learn how you can expand the reach of your advertising with the Blish-Mize AdStudio ad creation program. “Some of the digital options available to retailers have been revamped to make it even easier for them to take their promotions from print to digital,” says Jody Maude, advertising and communications manager for Distribution America. “The AdViewer system has also been enhanced to give retailers more direction with integrating promotions on social media.” The system is designed to give you easier access to relevant information you can share on your store’s social media pages, including statistics and recent market and product news, so you don’t have to spend time seeking it out yourself, Maude says. If you haven’t started using the updates to the program, introduced at the last Market, stop by the booth for a demonstration. Information on the print programs, the New Mover program, the Repeat Rewards loyalty program and the website and mobile programs will also be available at the Retail Services booth. Seminars You’ll also want to make a point to attend the educational seminars offered at the Market. They will be offered twice each day throughout the Market, Plan Your Advertising After you’ve gone through the Mini-Store, take time to visit the

Featured Vendors at the Market • Linzer Products Corporation —Linzer has been providing excel- lence in the paint applicator industry since 1892 and will have its products on display at the Blish-Mize Spring Market. Linzer produc- es paint brushes, roller covers, pad painters, tools and accessories for everyone from the first-time painter to the professional, and all these products will be available to order at the Market. Linzer offers consistently high-quality merchandise with a value unmatched in the industry. At the Market, Linzer will be offering a 12-foot display with 12-months dating. This will allow you to get set up with a full line from Linzer, with everything from brushes to mini-rollers. • Westpro Power Systems (Westinghouse) —Westpro Power Systems products are intuitive, easy to use and a great value to customers, and will be available for the first time to Blish-Mize customers at the Spring Market. Westpro Power Systems products include digital inverter generators, portable generators and pressure washers, all of which you can order at the Market. Its PRO Series Generators are a great fit for retailers with many contractor customers in addition to lumberyards, farm and home retailers and hardware stores. At the Market, Westinghouse will offer several show specials and coupon buys. Orders at the Market will receive 5 percent off drop-ship pricing with a one-unit minimum, $2,000 order for prepaid freight. Coupon buys are as follows: 12 percent off regular drop-ship cost of WH7500E; 9 percent off regular drop-ship cost of WH2800. • Century —Century Drill & Tool Corporation is now a fully-stocked pro- gram in the Blish-Mize warehouse. Premiering at the Spring Market will be a full 20 feet of industrial-grade power tool accessories and a full offering of abrasive products. Products Blish-Mize will stock include drill bits, screwdriver bits, reciprocating saw blades, circular saw blades, wood boring bits, hole saws, wood joining, taps, dies and abra- sives. Within those categories, Century offers more Made in the USA product options than any other brand. During the Market, you will have the ability to save up to 40 percent off planograms or receive a full competitive inventory credit. There will also be promotions on individual displays and products. • Ranchmate —Ranchmate is an innovative line of products for con- structing and mending wire fences. Developed in the U.S., it is the new standard in wire fencing and fencing accessories. Ranchmate’s market- ing plan includes print and online advertising, social networking and a variety of other promotional activities throughout 2014. Ranchmate products are officially licensed by the National FFA Organization ™ and a portion of sales directly supports the work of the FFA. You can view the entire line of products and get a live demonstration at the Market.

22 Spring 2014 • Hardlines Strategies