Sprezzatura, reflections from Bergamo
Our colleague Thierry Coeman has recently returned from the International Hardware Fair in Bergamo, Italy, and gives us a flavour on what...
Inspiration vs Execution: The growing disconnect inside today’s DIY & Garden Stores
There is a growing contradiction inside modern DIY and Garden stores. Across the sector, retailers are talking more than ever about inspiration,...
Work on the business not in the business!
Throughout the years several books have made an impact on how I think about running our business,...
The Reverse Industry has been built up around retailers handling returns of $billions of...
In my previous column, I highlighted some of the ways my team of buyers prepares to head into tradeshow season. Purchasing new...
A hallmark for sustainability in the DIY world
The Belgian DIY & Home Improvement retailer, Brico Belgium, moved a few months ago to a brand new building, just at the...
The Growing Importance of Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has grown rapidly during the last three years and all the signs indicate that it will only become more important...
The future of eCommerce in Europe
Online challenges and opportunities for SMEs.
Which online strategy matches the expectations of the typical European shopper?
Step 3 – Be Chosen: Why customer experience builds long-term value
Customers do not just choose the cheapest option. They choose the business that delivers consistent, memorable experiences. Being chosen is not only...
Putting in the right effort at Trade Shows
Our regular contributor from the USA, Gina Schaefer interviewed long time and very experienced hardware store buyer, Willa Reddy, to get her...
The three-prong approach to prospecting
Over the last 3½ years, I have worked with many lumberyards in the USA and Canada, and one of the more popular...
