NHS: Thinking outside the box
Some old favorites will be in new locations directly on the Show floor at this year's National Hardware Show, held May 5-7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
"We're looking forward to providing vendors and retailers both a memorable and productive experience at this year's Show," said Rich Russo, VP of the National Hardware Show. "We hope that by moving some key categories to new spots on the Show floor, it'll be easier for buyers to visit both new and returning exhibitors within their target product categories along with stopping into some of our popular Show features."
The Central Hall will include Inventors Spotlight, New Product World, the all-new 3 Day Auction, International Sourcing Area, Plumbing & Electrical, Homewares, PDRA Paint & Accessories Show and the Lancaster Buying Show.
Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living will be on Level 1 of the South Hall, and Hardware & Tools, Pet Products, Farm & Ranch, Made in USA and an additional Lawn, Garden & Outdoor Living area will all be on Level 2 of the South Hall.
Outdoors, Tailgate & Recreation has moved to the outdoor area between the Central and South Halls with access points from both halls.The NRHA Village & Stage has also moved to the Show floor, in the Central Hall, near the tailgate area.
Once again, the National Hardware Show will co-locate with the Lancaster Buying Show. Lancaster, the largest paint sundry distributor serving a broad range of independent retailers, has co-located its show with the National Hardware Show for the past three years. In 2014, Lancaster acquired Dynamic Paint Products, based out of Toronto, and the company has expanded to seven distributors throughout the United States and Canada. It will bring a variety of manufacturers, including 3M, Krylon, Rustoleum, DAP and more to the National Hardware Show.
The Lancaster Buying Show will be held in Hall C-2 of the Las Vegas Convention Center, near the main entrance of the Show. The Show's hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, and 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 7.
"The National Hardware Show invites me to think outside the box," said Greg Schlecht of Greg's True Value in St. Francis, Wisconsin. "It is enlightening for independent retailers to see what the world has to offer. In today's world, hardware stores, in addition to great customer service, must offer new niches and update our merchandise selection. The National Hardware Show opens doors to new opportunities."