In May, more than 30,000 industry professionals, including over 2,600 exhibitors, gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the National Hardware Show. This year’s Show drew worldwide attendance from members of the hardware and home improvement industry searching for new products and the opportunity to network with exhibitors and other retailers.
The show has a solid background in the home improvement market. It first got underway in New York in the post-World War Two housing boom. In the 1970s it headed west for Chicago before arriving in its current home in Las Vegas. Global manufacturers, associations, organisations and the media now head to the Nevada-set show.
“We’re thrilled to report this year’s Show was very successful,” said Rich Russo, Vice President of the National Hardware Show. “We’re so proud to see attendees and exhibitors from all over the world come together at the National Hardware Show. We think the new relationships formed, the knowledge gained and the products discovered will all have a positive impact on the industry for years to come.”
The show is co-located with the Lancaster Buying Show, in the Westgate Las Vegas Report & Casino, featuring exhibitors including 3M, Shurtape, Hyde and many others. The National Hardware Show features a Product Review & Vetting programme – a unique way for exhibitors to get products before an exclusive audience of distributors, co-ops and other retail businesses.
Shari Kalbach, vice president at PRO Group, said: “Participating in this programme gives our merchandise managers an opportunity to see what new and exciting products are out there that we can introduce to our distributor members and retailers.” Participants turned in product samples and entries before the Show opened, and were reviewed throughout the following three days. Participating companies included Distribution America, Sears, PRO Group, Lancaster, Mid-States Distributing Co and Jensen Distribution Services, among others.
Local hardware stores were honoured in the Young Retailer of the Year competition, run by the NRHA. Open to innovative retailers aged 35 and under, winners included B&B Hardware of Milan, Illinois and Crest True Value Hardware of Brooklyn, New York alongside multiples like Mark’s Ace Hardware. April Rembert of Jared’s Ace Hardware in Bishopville, South Carolina, said of the show: “I came last year, so I knew what to expect, but still, it’s a really big and exciting show. I like going to Inventors Spotlight and outside to Tailgate, Backyard & BBQ. Overall, it’s just a fun time. I also enjoy spending time at the NRHA All-Industry Conference to learn from all of the great speakers they bring in for this event.”
Nextorch USA exhibited at the show. President Michael McCrory said: “The National Hardware Show is a great way for us to make a connection with the home improvement channel. Retail in the United States is very challenging right now, but this channel is a viable one. And with the combination of products we offer, including tools, lighting and knives, we think we can make a very good partner within the industry.”
Next year, the National Hardware Show will be held 8-10 May 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.