Potter Plumbing & Hardware Undergoes Reset with House Hasson Wholesale Hardware

 Ron Potter wasn’t sure what to do; he just knew that something needed to be done. His business, Potter Plumbing and Hardware in Grayson, Ky., was at an important crossroads.

He had been buying from House-Hasson since he bought the business in 2007 from Rick Adams, who had operated it as Adams Hardware. “I had sold wholesale to plumbers my whole career, but combined that business with the hardware store when I took over. I gradually moved more into hardware and lumber over time, but the store needed a lot of work,” he says.

House-Hasson conducted an RPM study that outlined some of the changes that Potter needed to make to improve his product assortment and merchandising. The underlying consensus was that he needed to enhance the shopping experience for his customers to make his store their first choice for hardware products.

The building used to be set up to host a flea market, with different booths stationed around the floor. As Potter continued to expand more into hardware, there was not a clear organization to how products were displayed, which made it confusing for customers.

Adding urgency to the situation was the fact that two new hardware stores were scheduled to open soon in the area. “That was definitely a concern,” Potter admits.

With a blueprint for improvement in hand from the RPM study, Potter turned to House-Hasson to direct a complete reset of his store. Previously he just had basic paint, so a full line of Gray Seal paint was added. The lawn and garden department was greatly expanded. Assortments were strengthened in other core categories.

 The salesfloor’s clutter was transformed into a well-organized layout that was more conducive to shopping. Endcaps were placed at the ends of aisles and stocked with top sellers and impulse items, topped by value-driven signage. Shelves were stocked full and fronted with merchandise that was right for the market. Departmental signs were installed throughout to help customers find what they were looking for. Dingy ceiling tiles were replaced and exposed HVAC ducts were covered up.

The store’s old dark lighting was replaced with bright lighting to provide a more appealing atmosphere.  Aisles were cleared of clutter so that customers could roam freely with shopping carts.

To Potter, who was hospitalized with a medical condition as the reset project kicked into overdrive, the transformation was stunning. “I’m real happy with what they did to the store. Everybody that comes in

 He credits his House-Hasson sales rep, Glen Mullins, for seeing the project through.

“He pushed me to get this reset done and he’s been here constantly to make sure everything was getting done the right way.”

Such dedication does not surprise Potter, who has been buying from House-Hasson for as long as he has owned the business. “I’ve always been satisfied with House-Hasson. They treat me right and take care of any problem I have. I have complete faith in Glen.”

 Although plumbing and lumber are his best-selling categories, Potter expects to sell a lot of paint now that he has added a full line of paint and accessories. “That business has been doing well so far, and it’s brought in some female customers,” he notes. The brighter lighting has also been a big hit with female shoppers. 

House-Hasson helped Potter Plumbing & Hardware organize and host a grand reopening on April 1-2, which attracted a very good turnout. “We got a lot of comments about how nice the store looks now,” says Potter.

The nearest big boxes are 45 miles away, but that doesn’t mean Potter can get complacent about his pricing, particularly with new competition moving in. That is why he has adopted the Priced Right Everyday!^® program and is paying more attention to his pricing. Placing promotional buys on endcaps also helps him project a low-price image.

 He loves going to the House-Hasson markets, especially now that he has more inventory to keep stocked up on. “That’s the time to buy, because the deals are great. It makes a lot of sense to take advantage of the discounts on everyday items,” he says.

With the hard work behind him now, Potter has a new sense of confidence in his business.

“We can do a better job of serving customers and I feel we’re better positioned to compete now,”

 he says.

Don’t Miss the Hot Deals In Hot-Lanta

Click Here to Register Now

            House-Hasson is America’s largest independent regional hardware distributor, and we are getting ready to host the biggest event in the company’s 105-year history. Our Summer 2011 “Hot Deals in Hot-Lanta” Dealer Market takes place Thursday, June 23rd through Saturday, June 25th at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, Georgia.

            This is the first time we have brought our show to Atlanta, and we’re really rolling out the red carpet for dealers. There is so much to see and do you may want to come in a day early or extend your stay for a day or two. The Cobb Galleria Centre is conveniently located to all the major attractions and is just 20 minutes from the airport.

            We invite you to join us for the hardware industry’s premier 2011 buying event. Allen Winn and his team of buyers have been working hard on the “Hot Deals in Hot-Lanta” for months, making sure you have access to the most unbelievable deals you have grown to expect from House-Hasson. If you are going to take the time to attend one of our markets, then we want to make sure we’ve done everything we can to make it worthwhile and productive. If you are looking for additional margin opportunities and deep discounted specials to use in promotions, then “Hot-Lanta” is the place to be this June.

            “The convention facility is very nice and it’s in a very safe area, with all the hotels right close by,” says Mike Woolf, vice president-sales. “We think our dealers are going to love seeing what Atlanta has to offer.”

            The summer market is one of three markets House-Hasson holds annually. Not just another buying show, this event can help ensure your store’s standing as a premier retailer:

            Use this event to buy right through:

·        Bonus Buy specials on commodity items and merchandisers

·        Expanded pallet area with buys on “A” items  

·        Seasonal buy-ins

·        Booth specials from every exhibitor

·        Drop-ship specials

·        Coupon specials on key items

·        LBM specials

      You can see what’s so special about this market—there are specials galore. Network with manufacturers and get early, direct information about new products; trends in their product categories; and other ways you can let consumers know you are the expert in what’s happening in the hardware and home improvement arenas. Carry the product mix needed for your region.

            The market will introduce scores of new manufacturers and products.  It’s the perfect opportunity to analyze your current product mix and consider new additions. This can help you attract new customers, increase your ticket size with existing customers and let shoppers know they can one-stop shop at your store.

Bonus Buy Savings

            The biggest highlight of a House-Hasson market is always the Bonus Buy Breakfasts on Friday and Saturday mornings. The Bonus Buy merchandisers will again be featured on Friday, but we are changing things up for Saturday. In Hot-Lanta the Bonus Buy items will be on display in a special area of the market on both days. This way everyone can take advantage of these deep discounted specials.

            At House-Hasson we don’t just believe in selling an item for less than regular price—anyone can do that. We believe in selling items at such unbelievably reduced prices that the auditors are wondering whether we should have our heads examined. We are talking about some serious rock-bottom prices.

            The savings spectacular starts with a Hot-Lanta complimentary breakfast at 7:30 on Friday morning in Ballroom A-G, with breakfast catered by some of the finest chefs in Atlanta. You can look forward to eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, homemade biscuits, all done southern style.

            Then beginning at 8 a.m. Allen Winn will present the fantastic Bonus Buy merchandisers. Most of the assortments we feature are less than $500 with a 50 percent cash spiff. All merchandisers offer great-selling products and some are designed for House-Hasson dealers only. To top that off, we stock all of these products in the warehouse.

            The Bonus Buy item specials will be located in booths 1247-1251 and 1346-1350 all day Friday and Saturday. Each item will be displayed with special prices and plenty of staff will be on hand to help you with ordering. “We wanted to change things up a little for the open-stock buys,” Winn says, adding that dealers must place these orders during the show. “Don’t wait and don’t forget about it or you’ll miss the opportunity.”

            Dealers and their family members will still be able to enjoy a continental breakfast on Saturday morning in Ballroom A-G from 7:30-8 a.m. to get everyone fueled up and ready to work the busy show floor.

Hardware in Paradise

            When the market closes on Friday the fun is just beginning. Experience the fun and excitement of a true party put on House-Hasson style. Put on your shorts and tropical shirts and plan on enjoying a relaxing evening. “We’re trying something different that we think our dealers will have a lot of fun with,” Woolf says. “Everyone can wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts.”

            The festivities start with a special cocktail reception at 6 p.m. in Ballroom A-G. Join your fellow dealers, vendors and House-Hasson staff members in a casual atmosphere. This private party is exclusively for you.

            Chefs will be working all day to prepare a true “Cheeseburger in Paradise” experience you will not forget. There will be plenty of food, fun and entertainment. Jeff Pike and A1A Band will be performing and they are the official and original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show—sanctioned by Jimmy Buffett himself. And what would a summer beach party be without Buffett music? This is music that everyone can sing along with.

            Jeff Pike and A1A Band bring to life a highly energetic, colorful, family-friendly Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show. When attending one of their performances you can expect to hear all of your Buffett favorites such as “Cheeseburgers in Paradise,” “Margaritaville” and “Come Monday.” You will also be treated to some classic Reggae as well as some original A1A rock music.

            Jeff Pike has performed with Jimmy Buffett in concert and was a featured performer on Jimmy’s “Barometer Soup Radio Special CD.” A1A’s first CD, “A1A-Live,” was produced by Buffett’s bass player. A1A performs as a six-piece musical ensemble that promises to provide House-Hasson dealers and guests with a truly unforgettable “Hardware in Paradise” experience.

Travel Rewards Program

            House-Hasson can help keep your travel costs down. If you haven’t already, be sure to join our Travel Rewards and Room Reimbursement programs in time for the June Market. More and more dealers are discovering it’s a no-brainer to participate in these cost-saving programs. Both will save you money on the cost of traveling to the June market, which like our other markets is centrally located to reduce your traveling expenses.

            For every $8,000 in purchases made at the June market, a dealer is reimbursed for one room night (maximum of three nights) at the House-Hasson Hardware special rate, plus tax, at one of the three host hotels: Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel, Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta or Embassy Suites Atlanta-Galleria. Both stock and factory orders count toward the purchase totals. To receive reimbursement you must submit your room receipt no later than July 18, 2011.   

            Each participating dealer will receive 5 percent of their May warehouse purchases, at their regular buying plan price, to be applied toward their travel expense for our Atlanta market. You will be reimbursed at 40 cents per mile, round-trip, from your store to your host hotel.

            If you choose to fly, the incentive can be applied to the cost of up to two coach airline tickets booked by May 15, 2011. To be eligible for the travel rewards reimbursement you must:

·        Reserve your room in the House-Hasson room block at any of our three host hotels.

·        Purchase a minimum of $8,000 at the market.

·        Sign up for the Rewards program online or on the invitation registration form.

Keep in mind that the travel rewards will not exceed the price of the plane tickets and

mileage for one vehicle. The incentive is good for the June market only and cannot be carried over to the next market.

            Make your travel plans today!

           

Three Host Hotels

            The Cobb Galleria Centre’s on-site specialty mall and the Cumberland Mall, directly across the street and accessible by pedestrian bridge, make shopping convenient. The three host hotels are all conveniently located to the convention center so there is no need to get in your car and drive to the show each day.

The Cobb Galleria Centre connects directly to the 521-room Renaissance Waverly Hotel (2450 Galleria Parkway), which offers sophisticated accommodations including a dramatic 14-story atrium. This AAA 4-Diamond hotel is the crown jewel of the Galleria shopping and office complex. House-Hasson’s special rate is $119 plus tax. For reservations call 1-770-953-4500 and use code HHHA.

Guests enjoy the exclusive boutique shops of Vinings Jubilee and the Cumberland Mall located across the street. Dining options include the Atrium Café for breakfast, Starbucks for coffee drinks and Medici, which features Tuscan-inspired grilled favorites including handmade pastas, fresh seafood and prime meats. After the show is over you can relax and unwind at the trendy Tosca Blu Bar or at the circular sunken Atrium Bar.

            The Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta (2844 Cobb Parkway S.E.) has been redesigned with deluxe, two-room suites and refreshed décor, new bathrooms with sleek granite, flat-screen TVs and the sumptuous Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed featuring a pillow-top mattress, ultra-soft duvet and crisp white sheets.  

            Just across from the Cobb Galleria Centre and adjacent to the Cumberland Mall, the Sheraton is a great choice for your stay. Surf the web for free at the Sheraton’s new connectivity hub, enjoy a swim in the hotel pool or get a workout in the updated fitness center. Complimentary shuttle service is available within a three-mile radius of the hotel. House-Hasson’s special rate is $105 plus tax. Call 1-888-627-7047 or make reservations online at www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/househasson.com.

            The Embassy Suites Atlanta-Galleria (2815 Akers Mill Road) is also located across the street from the Cobb Galleria Convention Centre. The hotel’s suites are luxurious and relaxing. Each two-room suite offers a fantastic range of amenities, with guests enjoying the pleasures of two televisions; a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker; high-speed Internet access; and two telephones with data ports.

            The Embassy Suites provides tasty dining options from a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast to mouthwatering meals served in the Skylight Bar and Grill. The hotel hosts a nightly Manager’s Reception with a complementary beverage for guests. House-Hasson’s special room rate is $104 plus tax. For reservations call 1-770-984-9300.

            When you attend a House-Hasson market you will be treated like a premier dealer. Our staff is focused on providing you with hospitality and helping you succeed now and in the future.   

For more information, please contact Mike Woolf at mwoolf@househasson.com or call 800-333-0520, ext. 212. We hope to see you in Atlanta!

Two Information-Packed Seminars on Tap

            We have simplified our seminar program for this market to ensure even more dealers have a chance to take advantage of this learning opportunity. Two excellent seminars are scheduled for Thursday, June 23, the day before the show opens.

Using Social Media to Increase Your Business—2 p.m., Meeting Room 104

            If you’re not on Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites, you’re missing a tremendous opportunity to increase your business. Even if you’re already using social media, House-Hasson can work with you to make it perform even better.

            Take advantage of this new technology before your competition beats you to it. House-Hasson’s Taylor Hasson and Ron Yatteau have a wealth of information to share to help you promote your business.

            We’ve incorporated social media into House-Hasson’s 2011 advertising program. Included is an on-demand flier you can generate and blast to your consumers in just minutes. If your local news predicts a snowstorm, send a color flier to your customers telling them about your snow-preparation products such as snow shovels, ice melt, sleds and more. It’s an immediate way to communicate.

            Ron and Taylor’s seminar includes information on creating your store website and in-store website promotions, Internet search engine optimization (so your website is found fast), email marketing and social media marketing on Facebook and Twitter.

            In today’s expanding communications world, your choice is to be a leader or be left behind. Use this new and exciting technology to grow your customer base and sales figures.

More Effective Marketing—3 p.m., Meeting Room 104

            Philip Mitchell, author of “Discovery-Based Retail—Unlock Your Store’s Potential,” will host one of the most informative seminars you’ll ever enjoy. Philip’s book is a great tool for dealers willing to embrace change or who decide it’s time to do something different.

            Branding, marketing and advertising can become confusing. This seminar will give you a better understanding of how these three elements fit into your retailing efforts to create success.

            We’ll take a short historic look at traditional advertising and examine what’s happening today. With social media and digital advertising quickly taking prominence over print and radio, it’s important to understand how you can take advantage of new techniques and tactics. We’ll review data and give you suggestions to more effectively use your advertising dollars.

            You won’t want to miss this seminar.

Market Preview—4-6 p.m., Exhibit Halls A-D

            When the seminars end all dealers are invited to a special market preview from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in exhibit halls A, B, C and D. The preview gives you an early opportunity to see the market layouts, specials and to visit with vendors. Our House-Hasson staff, salesmen, buyers and regional managers will be there to meet and talk with you. We look forward to seeing you at the preview.

           

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 23 Seminars: 2:00 p.m. Using Social Media To Improve Your Business 3:00 p.m. More Effective Marketing To Unlock Your Store's Potential 4-6:00 p.m. Market Preview - Exhibit Hall Friday, June 24 Time Activity Location 7:30 a.m. Bonus Buy Breakfast Ballroom A-G 8:30 p.m. Market Opens Exhibit Hall A&B 12:00 p.m. Lunch Ballroom A-G 5:30 p.m. Market Closes Exhibit Hall A&B 6:00 p.m. Dealer Reception Ballroom A-G 6:30 p.m. Dinner Ballroom A-G Saturday, June 25 Time Activity Location 7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Ballroom A-G 8:00 a.m. Market Opens Exhibit Hall A&B 12:00 p.m. Lunch Ballroom A-G 4:00 p.m. Market Closes Exhibit Hall A&B