The Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) continuously provides home improvement data to its members to aid them in making better business decisions. As part of its efforts, HIRI recently surveyed consumers on their shopping habits and found that 59.2 percent of buyers shop at the same store for all their home improvement products. The survey also found that 29.3 percent of respondents strongly agree that home centers have everything they need.
This data is important because it tells home improvement retailers that keeping items in stock is crucial to serving customers. Along with home improvement products, retailers can sell other essential items to encourage customers to consider their store for all their needs and become a one-stop shop. Supply chain issues have made it difficult to achieve full shelves and all the products customers need, but there are steps retailers can take to address the issues.
One survey question asked respondents to indicate whether they believe that independent hardware stores have more helpful and knowledgeable employees than other home improvement stores. Nearly 40 percent disagreed that hardware store employees are more helpful and knowledgeable, showing an area home improvement retailers can focus on this year.
For training tips on improving employee product knowledge, check out the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s free training resources. The Trainer’s Toolbox resource section includes over 30 modules of product knowledge training to better equip employees to serve customers.
