Readers respond: Make way for new merchandise

We’ve all heard the truism: If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door. But there are more ways to generate foot traffic to hardware and building supply dealers — for instance, listen to the customer.

That’s one of the takeaways from the latest HBSDealer reader poll. The following response percentages were generated by the question:

What’s the single biggest reason to introduce a new product into a store’s merchandise mix?

• 
  46% Customer demand


• 
  27% Market exclusive/create differentiation


• 
  14% Higher margin opportunity


• 
  3% Relationship with vendor/supplier


• 
  2% Demonstrably superior quality


• 
  1% Lower price alternative to existing product


• 
  6% Other

The polls are still open. You can cast your vote here.