New Innovations For Year-Round Product Mixes
For the past 58 years, the Retailers’ Choice Awards, presented by the North American Hardware and Paint Association, have highlighted the best products on display at the National Hardware Show. The Retailers’ Choice Awards differ from most award programs as the judges’ panel is exclusively independent home improvement retailers who know best about what sells in the channel. The judges walk the show floor looking for those products they feel would be bestselling options in any independent operation.
This year’s panel included:
- Tiffany Baum, City Mill Hardware
- Jay Engler, Busy Beaver Building Centers
- Cody Goeppner, Valley Wide Cooperative
- Adam Gunnett, Busy Beaver Building Centers
- Karen Mayer, Busy Beaver Building Centers
- Helen McDaniel, B&B Hardware & Rental
- RJ McDaniel, B&B Hardware & Rental
- Dalton Meny, Meny’s True Value
On the following pages, discover the products retailers felt had the most potential to excite customers and boost sales in their operation.
Portable Grill
The Kenmore 2-Burner Portable Gas Grill is a compact and powerful grill with 343 square inches of grilling space, 14,000 BTUs and convenient features like a warming rack, temperature gauge and slide out grease tray. Foldable legs, side latches and carrying handles make it easy to transport. It is compatible with 20-pound propane tanks and perfect for camping, road trips, tailgating, outdoor parties and more. Photo courtesy of Permasteel
Permasteel | permasteel.life
Shower Filter
The Voesh Vitamin C Shower Filter eliminates chlorine and water impurities. Infused with vitamin C, vegan probiotics, oatmeal powder, hyaluronic acid and an essential oil complex, it goes beyond purification to nourish and protect both skin and hair. The Vitamin C Shower Filter can be used up to 110 times, depending on shower length. It is available in five scents: Clean Ocean, Lavender Land, Citrus Crush, Blossom Bliss and Rainforest Mist. Photo courtesy of VOESH New York
VOESH New York | voesh.com
Leaf Blower
The SENIX X6 60-Volt Max 810CFM Blower goes from 0 to 170 miles per hour with the squeeze of a trigger. It has a powerful brushless motor, variable speed trigger and cruise control for precision and comfort. The blower comes with a 4.0Ah Lithium-ion battery and charger ready to work straight out of the box.
SENIX Tools | senixtools.com
Removable Paint
Unpaint by Glasst is a removable, versatile, eco-friendly and easy-to-use paint that comes in over 50 colors. No more committing to a paint color—simply peel off your paint and try a new color. Unpaint can be brushed, rolled or sprayed on.
Glasst | glasst.co
Flashlight
Police Security’s Twin Power® is a patent-pending flashlight that allows users to toggle between primary rechargeable power and alkaline battery for backup power. The Twin Power flashlight operates with a single cartridge, housing both a built-in charger and alkaline batteries with level indicators on the handle showing how much power remains.
Police Security Flashlights | policesecurity.com
Illuminated Pavers
Through patented manufacturing techniques, Glow Path Pavers feature embedded Glow Stone aggregate, which is used to light pathways, driveways and sidewalks at nighttime. The textured surface resists deicing salt, chlorine, mild acids and gasoline or oil. These pavers are manufactured in various styles and sizes. Photo courtesy of Glow Path Technology
Glow Path Technology | glowpathtechnology.com
Misting Water Bottle
The ExtremeMist GoMist is a stainless steel water bottle with a battery-powered micro misting pump in the cap,
providing ultra-fine mist at the touch of a button. The water bottle is available in three colors and the lid is compatible with other wide-mouth water bottles.
ExtremeMist | extrememist.com
Mouse Trap
DoomBox® is an enclosed mouse trap made for campers, RVs, boats and other places where traps are not checked regularly. DoomBox is certified child resistant, helping to keep children and pets away from the trap or dead mice. It is also reusable, allowing for multiple catches, and is made in the U.S.
Jamestown Plastics | doomboxtraps.com
Edger Guard
The Cut-N-Edge Pro comes in bright orange or black and allows users to paint edges with precision by holding brush bristles in place and keeping them together. It can be hooked to paint cans for clean storage. Photo courtesy of Boxtown Team
Boxtown Team | boxtownproducts.com
Tool Belt Module
Handcrafted from full-grain leather, the EDC Tradesman Modular Tool Carrier System is designed with the end-user in mind, scaling with the end-user as the job evolves. The user has the option to mix and match attachments, and current options are designed for a variety of carpentry and electrical applications.
1791 Gunleather | 1791gunleather.com
Electric Smoker Grill
The Bradley Electric Smoker Grill from Bradley Smoker is a versatile outdoor grill and smoker. This portable smoker grill requires only 15 amps of power, offering the same convenience and flavor of a full-size smoker or grill. It can be set up anywhere space is limited or open flames are not permitted, allowing grilling and smoking foods without any restrictions.
Bradley Smoker | bradleysmoker.com
Paintbrush Cleaner
Simplify cleanup with the Brush Skrub cleaning tool. This tool not only keeps hands dry during cleanup but also acts as a self-contained, 3-in-1 solution—it conditions and preserves the brush while effectively removing residual paints. No more messy cleanups with an efficient painting experience.
Brush Skrub | brushskrub.com
Portable Battery
The Lion ProwlerTM from Lion Energy is a portable power unit that provides wireless charging for many smart cell phones and USB devices and also has a flashlight and a lamp. It can be plugged into any USB device that needs power and is easy to transport, lightweight and fits in a back pocket, backpack, carry bag or clipped on with a carabiner.
Lion Energy | lionenergy.com
Paint Cap
The Easy Open is designed to simplify the opening and re-opening of screw caps for 5-gallon paint buckets. Made in the U.S. and engineered to fit securely around the 3-inch cap, it features user-friendly thumb tabs, eliminating the frustration of stuck or sealed caps. Place the Easy Open onto the cap and turn the opening using the finger tabs. The opening method ensures that both the cap and the seal’s threads remain intact, preventing damage and enabling continuous container use.
KRS Corporation | krscorporation.com
Double-Sided Square
The Rapid Rafter is a double-sided square that reduces the amount of time for measurements by allowing for simultaneous marking on both sides of the board, which increases accuracy. It also folds flat for easy storage.
Rapid Rafter | rapidrafter.com
Bucket Organizer
Made in the U.S. using recycled post-consumer plastic, the Bucket Organizer from Pak1 Plastics fits all standard 3 1⁄2- and 5-gallon buckets found at many home improvement stores. It features several slots and trays for holding tools, bolts and other job site necessities.
Pak1 Plastics | pak1plastics.com
Planting Pot
Smart Pot® Fabric Planters are a replacement for the traditional hard-side containers and help plants thrive, promoting root health and vigorous plant growth for bigger, more abundant vegetables, flowers, plants and herbs. Available in multiple sizes and colors. Photo courtesy of High Caliper Growing
Hight Caliper Growing | smartpots.com
Portable Cooling System
The ExtremeMist 2-n-1 Portable Misting Fan allows users to continue their outdoor activities and beat the heat. The portable system can be plugged in, pre-charged or used with the included solar panel, no water spigot or electrical outlet required.
ExtremeMist | extrememist.com
Rope Dispenser
Rapid Rope is a convenient and compact way to store and access rope when needed. The canister is weather-resistant and shatterproof and perfect for the car, boat or garage. The included rope can sustain up to 1,100 pounds.
Rapid Rope LLC | rapidrope.com
Convertible Bench
The Convert A Bench is a versatile seating solution that transforms from a spacious bench to a three-person table in seconds. Crafted with rugged, all-weather and maintenance-free resin and vinyl, it’s exceptionally strong and durable for indoor and outdoor use. It is perfect for enhancing any space from patios and porches to balconies and RVs. With seven color options and various cushion and pillow styles available, it offers customizable comfort and style and a 1,400-pound weight limit.
Convert A Bench | convertabench.com or (801) 375 5484
Scented Candles
These licensed scented candles harness the brand equity from some of the most iconic baked goods and confection brands. These domestically sourced fragrances are created using state-of-the-art flavor matching technology. Some scents feature smells from Hostess Brands, Hershey Brands and Just Born Brands. Scents include Twizzlers, Twinkies, Mike & Ike, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Hershey S’Mores.
International Wholesale | internationalwholesale.com
Egg Cleaning Kit
The Full Eggcellent Kit from GoodEgg Stuff features one small and one large GoodEgg Brush and a 12-ounce bottle of egg wash. The brush is designed with over 650 silicon nubs to scrub your eggs effectively and efficiently. The egg wash breaks down organic contaminants with naturally derived enzymes.
GoodEgg Stuff | goodeggstuff.co
Grilling Bag
The McCormick Grill Mates Foil Grilling Bags help season food easier and faster. Simply put what you want to season in the bag and set it on the grill. When the bag is sealed, the steam is trapped within the bag, keeping your meat juicy. The bags can also be used in the oven.
International Wholesale | internationalwholesale.com
Air Conditioner
The Cool Living Mini Split Air Conditioner offers cooling comfort without the bulkiness and noise of other larger units. This quiet unit has customizable settings, including a turbo mode to maximize your comfort. The air conditioner is energy efficient and features a dehumidifier and filtration. It is available in 9,000 to 24,000 BTUs.
Cool Living Products | coollivingproducts.com
Portable Grill
The nomadiQ Grill weighs 12 1⁄2 pounds and is the perfect grill to take anywhere, including picnics, road trips, camping and more. Each side features 110 square inches of grilling spaces with independent temperature controls, and when attached to a 16-ounce propane tank, can last up to three hours. Photo courtesy of CQ International
Nomadiq Products | nomadiqproducts.com
Fly Trap
The FlyPad from Rescue is a clean and simple way to attract and trap flies. FlyPad’s corrugated texture features glue-filled grooves designed to catch flies but the surface won’t stick to your fingers during setup and disposal. The FlyPad can be used both indoors and outdoors and is made in the U.S.
Sterling International | rescue.com
Plastic Barrier
ZipWall® is a reusable doorway barrier with a self-closing magnetic door that is made of high-tech fabric impervious to dust and has a clear plastic window. ZipWall covers a doorway up to 46- by 86-inches and the magnetic door can be placed to create an entry anywhere in the plastic barrier. Photo courtesy of Zipwall
ZIPWALL | zipwall.com
Yard Trimmer
The Trimyxs offers a superior approach to traditional weed trimming and edging. It is the first-ever universal push lawn mower attachment that allows consumers to not only mow their lawn but also trim and edge at the same time.
Trimyxs | trimyxs.com
Downspout Connector
TurnSpout is a residential downspout connector with a patented design that manages roof water drainage and makes landscaping, lawn work and contracting projects around your home efficient and easier. TurnSpout was designed to be installed once and to remain in place permanently, with the ability to rotate 360 degrees and be lifted or lowered 25 degrees, then back to its original position. It is made of durable, all-condition, weather-tested and high-density plastic.
TurnSpout | turnspout.net
Wall Organizer
OmniWall is a fully modular metal pegboard system. The 18-gauge steel pegboard puts hammers, drivers, drills, wrenches and other hand tools within easy access on a wall. All the accessories were tested to ensure the user has a secure way to proudly display their tools. The OmniWall is available in six different colors.
OmniWall | omniwallusa.com
Modular Closet System
The Northern Kentucky Cedar modular closet system is an easy DIY project made from aromatic red cedar that adds natural scent to your space while maximizing storage and reducing clutter. The system is made in the U.S. from locally sourced lumber and includes shelving, organizers, wall paneling, shoe racks and cube storage. Originally designed for a closet, this system can go wherever organization is needed.
Northern Kentucky Cedar | northernkycedar.com