HDW Reports Record Sales at Mardi Gras in Mississippi Spring Market

Hardware Distribution Warehouses, Inc. CEO and President Kenneth R. Beauvais reports record sales during the recent Spring Market held March 4th – 6th 2011 at the Jackson Convention Complex in Jackson, Mississippi. 

This years’ theme was “Mardi Gras in Mississippi”. It was the largest vendor sponsored market to date for the hardware and building material distributor. Hundreds of vendors were on hand offering new products and specials at the event. Response to Saturday morning’s special Power Buys continues to set new sales records. Vendors participating in the market indicated strong responses to new item introductions and sales on existing items as well.

“We hit another home run with this Spring Market with our total sales up 29% over our Spring Market from one year ago,” Beauvais stated. We continue to see signs of excellent growth by continually attracting new retailers to our “fair and simple” pricing methods.  Dealers are just tired of all the smoke and mirrors distributors keep trying to push on them, they want to see a price on an invoice and know that is exactly what they paid for it.  Our dealers love our honesty and it shows, we keep adding more and more dealers all the time”

Retailers representing 8 states attended the market. Seminars and educational events were offered during the 3-day event. Phil Mitchell of Discovery Based Retail hosted a Saturday seminar on How to Improve Your Stores Appearance while Allison DeWitt of the NRHA (North American Retail Hardware Association) hosted a seminar on employee training and product knowledge for all attendees on Sunday.

Hardware Distribution Warehouse, Inc. is an employee owned company and provides independent hardware and lumber yards a complete source for retail products. HDW has distribution centers located in Greenwood, MS and Shreveport LA and is a member/ owner of Distribution America, the nation’s largest network of independent hardware and paint sundries wholesale distributors.

HDW’s Annual Spring Market was recently listed as having the largest economic impact for Jackson Mississippi of any event held at the Jackson Convention Complex in 2010.
 

Building Blocks: Home Improvement Distributors Strategize Growth for 2011

More than 400 attended the Executive Planning Conference hosted by Distribution America and PRO Group, Inc.
Tucson, Ariz., November 15, 2010… Manufacturers and distributors from two groups met to strategize business development plans during the annual Executive Planning Conference at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona Nov. 15-17.

The Charlotte-based Distribution America and Denver-based PRO Group, Inc. began conducting their annual conferences jointly in 2003 as an effort to bring together a diversity of outlooks while also reducing cost and increasing value for manufacturers and wholesalers. Together, Distribution America and PRO Group member distributors achieve a multi-billion dollar annual sales volume. The conference also provides extensive networking opportunities within the industry.

More than 400 distributors and manufacturers were in attendance at the Executive Planning Conference, and over three days took part in 2,834 one-on-one sessions. During those sessions, distributor and manufacturers come together to discuss topics ranging from new product and program launches, prior year fill-rates, order turn-around time, promotional effectiveness, return on asset performance, new business opportunities and how to gain market share with key customers in 2011.

Lynne Wallis, senior national account manager for Apex Tool Group LLC (formerly Cooper Tools), a manufacturer based in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, says the timing of the Executive Planning Conference couldn’t be better. “The Executive Planning Conference is at a perfect time of the year for Apex Tool Group to meet with our distributors to review the current year and prepare for 2011. The format allows us to meet individually with all of our customers in several days, which would take months to accomplish by traveling to each members’ office,” says Wallis.

Mickey Schulte, vice president of purchasing and marketing with Handy Hardware, a DA distributor located in Houston, Texas, says that six representatives from his company attended the conference. "You get so many people in one place at this conference, you can't put a price on that. By having this meeting outside of our office, our focus is solely on the vendor. There have been so many changes with vendors, including consolidation and shifting of personnel. At the conference, we are able to put a face with a name and get them focused on our business."

HDW Reports New Sales Records at Fall “Monopoly” Market
September 13, 2010

Attendance at the HDW Fall “Monopoly” Market increased by 37% and overall sales were up 31% over the Spring Market.

“We had an overwhelming response to our special offer that will waive all delivery charges thru December 31, for Market attendees.” ” reported Kenny Beauvais, President & CEO of HDW, Inc.  Additionally, Beauvais reported that with a record number of participating vendors, attendees found more selection and variety than every before

A variety of seminars and educational events were offered during the 3-day event.  HDW also reported a tremendous response to its new order entry program, coupled with the HDW website saves retailers much time when ordering

Connie Sink of Discount Building Materials in Oxford, MS was the big grand prize winner at the show winning $10,000 on Sunday afternoon - During the market, HDW gave away cash and prizes totaling over $40,000.

Hardware Distribution Warehouse, Inc. is an employee owned company and provides independent hardware and lumber yards a complete source for retail products. HDW has distribution centers located in Greenwood, MS and Shreveport LA and is a member/ owner of Distribution America, the nation’s largest network of independent hardware
and paint sundries wholesale distributors.

House-Hasson Expands W.Va. Warehouse
Home Channle News
Aug. 16, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn.-based House-Hasson Hardware is adding 100,000 sq. ft. to its Prichard, W.Va., warehouse.
The approximately $2 million addition will bring the West Virginia warehouse to 300,000 sq. ft. The
scope of work includes adding new truck dock areas and improvements to the warehouse heating system.
Construction is scheduled for completion in January 2011. House-Hasson recently completed a $1 million,
50,000-sq.-ft. expansion of its Knoxville, Tenn., headquarters warehouse. Don Hasson, House-Hasson Hardware
president, said the company’s 2009 acquisition of distribution company Moore-Handley and customer
service are the principal reasons for the expansion.

Blish-Mize Announces Appointment of Jonathan Mize as President
May 10, 2010

Hardlines distributor Blish-Mize Co. of Atchison, Kan. announced the appointment of  Jonathan D. Mize as president & chief operating officer.  Jonathan has been executive vice president, also served as vice president-sales, and has served the company in other officer capacities.  He will be the 5th generation of the Mize family to hold the title of president.  He also serves as president and COO of Hardware House, LLC , a subsidiary of Blish-Mize Co.

John H. Mize, chief executive officer of the company will remain active in management as chairman of the board and CEO.  He has been with Blish-Mize since 1962, and has been president since 1980.  He has been chairman, president and CEO since 1982.

Other new officer elections include Lydia E. Funk, vice president and controller.  Most recently, she was the corporate controller for MGP Ingredients of Atchison. Douglas Long has been elected vice president-sales and marketing.  He has served in the same capacity with other companies, including Bostwick-Braun, Tractor Supply, PRO Hardware, Inc. and HDW, Inc.

HOUSE-HASSON HARDWARE GETS BIGGER WITH PARTNERSHIP

House-Hasson Hardware has partnered with Kansas-based distributor Blish-Mize Co. to acquire Hardware House Products Co., a private label brand of tools and building products.

Hardware House Products Co., which now will become Hardware House LLC, was launched in 1999 as an alternative to brand names for retailers, with better profit margins for retailers, according to a statement from House-Hasson and Blish-Mize. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Hardware House was a subsidiary of Moore-Handley Inc. of Pelham, Ala., which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July and subsequently was acquired by House-Hasson for $14.5 million, according to Alabama news reports.

"Hardware House now has the stability and strength to move forward because of this acquisition," John H. Mize, president and CEO of Blish-Mize Co., said in a statement about the Hardware House purchase. "We are now able to offer retailers one of the broadest private label lines in the marketplace."

Hardware House sells builder's hardware, cabinet hardware, lighting, ceiling fans, bath hardware, plumbing, hand tools, power tool accessories, locks, paint tools and vinyl flooring, among other items.

"This partnership strengthens the support to our retail and wholesale partners by increasing fill rates and on-time deliveries of quality products, " Don Hasson, president and CEO of House-Hasson, said in a statement.

House-Hasson, founded in Knoxville in 1906, is a wholesale distributor of hardware, plumbing, electrical supplies, lawn and garden products, tools, housewares and building materials to hardware stores, home centers and lumberyards in the United States and abroad.

House-Hasson has operated three distribution centers - a central warehouse and Southern Kitchen in Knoxville, and Persinger Supply Co. in West Virginia.

Handy Hardware points to strong traffic

Home Channel News (Feb. 11) Handy Hardware Wholesale, the Houston-based member-owned distribution company, reported that attendance at its spring market in Houston from Feb. 4 to 6 increased nearly 15% compared with its spring event last year.

Last year's event was a record at the time, the company said.

“We are extremely proud of our spring market performance," said Mickey Schulte, VP purchasing and marketing for Handy. "While others have struggled to maintain member attendance, we have continued to grow."

Handy had 692 members in attendance along with a number of prospects, he added.

“Store owners are looking for great prices and overall value with a provider in these times," Schulte continued. "We encourage members to be themselves and not cookie cutter stores. Owners know what works for them. Handy is here to help.”

Handy Hardware serves more than 1,300 hardware stores and home centers throughout the South and Southeast

2010 Executive Planning Conference

Marco Island, FL, November 4, 2009… Two distribution groups are creating a blueprint for growing business in 2010 during the annual Executive Planning Conference at the Marco Island Marriott Resort in Marco Island, Florida.

By conducting the conference jointly the Charlotte-based Distribution America and Denver-based PRO Group, Inc. reduce costs while increasing value for both manufacturers and wholesalers in attendance at the event, held November 2-4. The combined annual sales volume of Distribution America and PRO Group member distributors exceed $5 billion.

The Executive Planning Conference enables 30 distributors from both companies to brainstorm and strategize during 3,010 one-on-one meetings with 147 manufacturing companies.

During one-on-one sessions distributors and manufacturers discuss topics such as new product and program launches, prior year fill-rates, order turn-around time, promotional effectiveness, return on asset performance, new business opportunities and how to gain market share with key customers in 2010

Jeannette Kellogg is VP, sales and marketing for Genova Products and said the conference helps Genova ensure that the company is aligning its business with its customers. “Times are challenging and in a short amount of time we are able to meet with many of our key customers and look at what is important to them and be sure we are working well together. We just can't operate the way we always have. All of our companies – manufacturers and distributors – need to be looking for opportunities.”

Dave Christmas, president, Distribution America, said this is a crucial time for taking advantage of the slowly recovering economy. “The overall ttitude among the DA membership going into the Executive Planning Conference is one of guarded optimism. They feel that the bottom has been reached and things will get better when the employment picture improves. They believe this will not be a quick recovery,” said Christmas. "All of the DA members are well positioned to take advantage of the recovery.” Christmas added that 2010 will be a prime time for being a regional distributor because familiarity with the market will be an invaluable asset in coming months. “In times like these the value of regional distribution, operated by people who understand the marketplace, is proving to be crucial to the success of local hardware stores, lumberyards and home centers,” he said.

Corey Jensen, director of sales for Black & Decker/DeWalt said the annual conference is an ideal time to introduce new products and consult on best practices. “It’s a way to build upon the successes of the past to keep the business momentum moving in the right direction,” Jensen said. “This is a very powerful group of independent distributors with unbeatable potential for growth.”

Jonathan Mize, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Blish-Mize, and a Distribution America distributor member, took the opportunity to discuss different sales tactics for the coming year. “The main purpose for attending this event is for our buyers to visit with the key principals and sales executives from the vendor community to discuss any concerns, as well as new ways that we both can grow together.”

For Rick Brambley, VP Hardware Sales of Coleman Cable, Inc., getting away from day-to-day business to meet with top management at distributors and review performance and goals is crucial.

Doug Miller, president of Jensen Distribution Services, a Distribution America member, said, "So many vendors have cut back on expenses and not as many come to meet with us at our Spokane, Washington headquarters. Being here is an efficient use of our time and travel expenses. Our business is based on relationships and this is one of the few venues left for us to build relationships with our vendors. We are meeting with existing vendors and new vendors to discuss opportunities." Miller said he and his team are looking for sales opportunities for key retailer customers as well as new products and programs.

Distributors also ranked products in a new product awards area and visited with executives from the North American Retail Hardware Association and National Hardware Show. The conference also offered attendees many opportunities to mix and mingle and recognize vendors and members.

Next year’s conference is scheduled for November 15-17, 2010 In Tucson AZ.

For More Information Contact: Jody Maude, Distribution America
(704) 940-4806 email: jody.maude@daonline.com