by Annie Dameworth | May 1, 2026 | Operational Insights
According to the Q1 2026 Farnsworth Contractor Index conducted by The Farnsworth Group, finishing professionals are already showing confidence about business activity and revenue impact in 2026. Paint & Decorating Retailer broke down the data from the study,...
by Lindsey Thompson | Apr 30, 2026 | Operational Insights
Earlier in this issue, we met this year’s first Top Guns Awards honoree, Ash Ebbo, who shared how important it is to empower the next generation in the independent home improvement channel to become its next leaders. Engaging with the next generation at the store...
by Lindsey Thompson | Apr 23, 2026 | Industry News, Operational Insights
While not unique to the independent channel, wage challenges can cause extra stress on small business owners already juggling tight margins. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in February 2026, wages rose more than expected, increasing 0.4% for the...
by Jacob Musselman | Apr 1, 2026 | Operational Insights
Wallpaper is making a comeback, with many DIYers and professionals opting for wallpaper instead of paint during renovations. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global wallpaper market size was valued at $2.01 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from...
by Jacob Musselman | Apr 1, 2026 | Operational Insights
Navigating the world of retail, I’ve come to realize that managing conflicts, especially with vendors, salespeople and your own team, is not just part of the job—it’s an art. Whether you’re dealing with a change in sales mix, unexpected problems with a product line or...
by Jacob Musselman | Apr 1, 2026 | Operational Insights
Tile trends are moving away from the cool gray and white that have dominated the tile scene and shifting towards natural colors reflecting earth tones and bold statement colors. Tile shape trends are also changing, with more homeowners choosing options that look...
