An educational event

What used to be simply a huge industry trade show – the National Hardware Show – has evolved into a worldwide educational and business event. It not only continues to showcase the products of thousands of exhibitors, but also honours retailing and package excellence as well as manufacturing innovation. And this year’s show, May 10 to12 in Las Vegas, with a better layout and organization, made it easy for buyers to scout out interesting new products, both from established industry brands as well as from entrepreneurs anxious to bring new products to market. Two areas of the show featured new products in their own special displays, while another section, Inventor’s Spotlight, featured products just being developed. And a Tailgate/Outdoor Recreation Pavilion showcased products for outdoor living promotions. Thanks to its cooperation with the North American Retail Hardware Association, the show in Las Vegas offered educational seminars covering virtually every aspect of retailing and distribution – ranging from the impact of social media to shop-local marketing programmes. Buyers hoping to capitalize on consumer interest in sustainability and “green” products found many exhibitors featuring such products and offering merchandising and marketing programmes to help communicate those features to consumers. The National Hardware Show honoured the industry’s most innovative new products in a series of award presentations throughout the event, recognizing products across categories. Another highlight was the third annual New Product Launch Spotlight Awards, devoted to new products that have not yet hit the market. They were judged by leading retailers and distributors. The North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) – whose own annual conference was co-located with the National Hardware Show for the first time this year – honoured young retailers, including, for the first time, international retailers from the United Kingdom, France and China, as well as the United States. The Young Retailer of the Year programme recognizes outstanding performance by those 35 years old or younger and, to date, has honoured over 100 young people. NRHA presented its second annual Packaging and Merchandising Awards, which are important for retailers seeking exciting products packaged to sell. More than 130 manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada submitted their best packaging and merchandising/point-of-purchase display materials. Next year’s National Hardware Show…