Handy Hardware revs up for market

Houston-based distributor Handy Hardware is returning to San Antonio for its Fall Market. This time, though, things are different.

According to executives, the Houston-based distributor that was acquired by Hardware Holdings in August 2013 will for the first time begin to showcase some of the capabilities, such as better assortments, own brand values and logistics flexibility, all of which have been made possible under its new ownership structure. 

“When you share with our existing customers that the marketing and merchandising team is servicing 8,000 customers in North America across multiple channels for our new parent company, it generates excitement and enhances our credibility as a valued partner,” said Craig Cowart, who was installed as Handy president in October 2014. “That is incredibly game-changing and compelling.”

In addition to Hardware Holdings’ five distribution centers, the parent company owns plumbing leader Jones-Stephens, a variety of product brands (including Ultra, Comfort Zone and Aqua Plumb, to name a few) and even a sourcing and design center in Wuxi, China.

Handy’s market is scheduled for Aug. 6-8.