Independents to gather in Dallas

The North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) will host the 2023 NHPA Independents Conference, August 2-3 in Dallas, an industry-wide event that brings together retailers, wholesaler representatives, vendors and other channel supporters.

The conference features keynote addresses from former executives of Amazon and Google, and panel discussions with the industry’s leading retailers who will discuss how they have used technology to solve some of their toughest operational challenges, said the NHPA. [Related: HBSDealer Tech issue.]

“We have business problems, and we have to leverage technology to combat those problems because consumers are engaging with businesses through technology,” said keynote speaker Chris Hood, former head of business innovation and strategy for Google.

“It’s no longer about trying to adapt. It’s about accelerating your digital outcomes so you can keep up with consumer demands,” said Hood.

NHPA said it values the engagement of industry wholesale and manufacturing partners in the conference, including Benjamin Moore, Do it Best, Orgill, STIHL and True Value.

Orgill is creating an extra day of content the day before the conference, on August 1, “hosting workshops, panel discussions and vendor presentations.”

Additionally, Orgill will be hosting an industry-wide special welcome reception at Gilley’s, the iconic Dallas party venue, on August 2.

“We are very happy to support this industry-wide event and would like it to become an annual gathering of the independent channel,” said Greg Stine, executive VP, marketing and communications with Orgill. “The August 2 celebration at Gilley’s that we’re hosting – not just for Orgill dealers but for the entire industry – comes from that spirit.”

Stine said, “sometimes we need to remind each other that our true competition falls outside of the channel, with the big boxes and online retailers. We see this event as a great place to grow from.”

And Orgill is holding its own companion event August 1-3 in Dallas with highlights such as an online buying event work area; new Smart Start programs; a tech symposium, and more.

At the NHPA conference, retailers from nearly a dozen operations representing more than 300 stores will take the stage in panel discussions, said the association.

As an example, panelist Dalton Meny, operations manager of three Meny’s True Value locations in southwest Indiana, developed an automated inventory transfer computer program to help align inventory management and product transfers across his stores.

“We are not only saving money, but our stores are better stocked,” said Meny, “the program is becoming more efficient the longer we use it, offering long-term positive results.”

Another panelist, Jared Brown, director of business intelligence for Aubuchon, will identify a vendor that helped him streamline inventory operations and add time back into his day.

In between sessions, attendees can explore service provider exhibitors in the Retail Solutions Hall where vendors will be available for retailers to explore technology and service resources.