HDW rides an expansion wave
Shreveport, La.-based Hardware Distribution Warehouse’s recent market in Hot Springs, Ark., generated record sales and representatives from more than 500 dealers, according to the distributor.
One big reason for the growth: the November 2016 acquisition of the distributor formerly known as Handy Hardware. That move brought HDW’s footprint deeper into Texas and Oklahoma while adding some 13,000 new products to its offering. It also pushed up its dealer base to more than 2,000.
HDW CEO Kenneth Beauvais credited the team for integrating the companies in time for the show. “The teamwork, from all employees working under extreme deadlines, was remarkable,” he said.
The three-day event opened on Friday and included a private concert from Sundance Head, Season 11 winner of "The Voice," to an estimated crowd of some 1,000. The market ended Sunday with total cash and prizes being awarded to attending dealers that totaled more than $100,000.
The post-show press release included the following testimonials from dealers:
• Ritchey Terry of Highland Building Materials in Clarksville, Texas, attending his first HDW market stated “I was apprehensive when I first got there, having been a Handy dealer for many years, but so glad we attended. We definitely see a turn for the better. I am excited that the company is getting back to hardware management people. I have known many vendors for years and all the vendors were also positive and excited about the change.”
• Richie Fulgham, owner/manager of Homefront Home Improvement in Greenwood, Miss., has been attending HDW markets since his store opened. Fulgham said: “There were more product offerings than before with some of the best pricing I have seen at any market. When I go to market I am looking for everyday items at a discounted price and new items I can sell on endcaps and add to our inventory I was able to purchase all of those at the HDW market.”
Hardware Distribution Warehouses Inc. is an employee-owned company and provides more than 2,000 independent hardware and lumberyards a complete source for retail products in nine states. HDW has distribution centers in Greenwood, Miss.; Houston, Texas; and Shreveport, La.; and is a member/owner of Distribution America.