Page 20 - May-June 2024 REPORTER - web optimized

that have higher and lower turns. We have
found that there is not a consistent standard
across our store and departments that holds
as a gold standard in a goal for turns. We
have consistently strong turns in lumber,
for example, but because we have decided
to make ourselves a destination of sorts for
cabinet hardware, which typically sells in job
lots or quantities of 15-20 at a time when
someone remodels a kitchen, our turns are
sometimes completely different in that
category. We have thousands of options, so
we don't have consistent turns category wide.
We have intentionally picked a few categories
that we are "all in" on. This means we have
the best selection. Sometimes when you do
this, metrics like turns can't be the focus of
the category. We buy a lot from our Do-it-Best
warehouse but being a larger store, we also
must buy direct from manufacturers to get the
breadth of product we are looking for. This
contributes to a reduction in turns.

Has there been any product categories that
you would like to add but don’t have room
for?
Our reps are always pitching us new
products and they are now used to us saying-
"Sorry, I don't have the space for it." It seems
crazy that a 305,000 square foot store would
be out of space, but we truly are. A place we
do have room to expand though is on our
website. We see this as the next big area of
growth for our business.
Hartville Hardware, like many retail
stores, has expanded to offer online sales
and now they even have an online sales
fulfilment department in an area not in
the main building but on the 200 plus acre
campus. Currently their online sales business
represents around 5% of their overall sales
and is growing.
and deep merchandise offerings. They have side of the store where the grade changes
departments like cabinet hardware where and this level has walk-out access to grade. Have online sales taken away from in person
they show the largest number of feet of The lower level contains the contractor sales sales?
cabinet hardware anywhere. They want to be department, the outside sales personnel We have seen, as all retail is experiencing,
a destination. work area, as well as a huge deck display a decline in foot traffic in general. However,
The store is designed with two levels. zone, a large window and door showroom, the our events are strongly attended, and we do
The front parking lot is at ground level and rental department, the repair area for John feel that if given a compelling experience and
that level of the store has 120,000 sq ft Deere, tool repair and key cutting. This area competitive pricing position, people do still
of showroom, This level has 18 different also leads to the drive thru lumber yard and like to see a lot of products before they buy
departments. Each department is painted the outdoor lumber yard. The drive through them. We are social beings by nature. That’s
so that a customer can see that they are in a area is 37,000 sq ft with a cashier station and why we still go to catch a movie at the theatre
different section of the store. entrance area both at grade level. or dine out at a restaurant. The overarching
The departments are plumbing, electrical, We spoke with Cindy Kandel, Divisional concept behind Hartville Hardware is that it is
hardware, tools, automotive, John Deere, toys, Merchandise Manager for Hartville Hardware, not just a place to browse and buy. It’s a space
outdoor living, Grill Zone (BBQ area), farm/ about some of the challenges of operating that’s meant to inspire and engage that can’t
pet supplies, seasonal, housewares, clothing, a store with such a large footprint. We also be reproduced online.
paint, home décor, kitchen/bath, appliances, talked about the town of Hartville (pop. 3,370) Currently there are 325 employees at
and flooring. Also on this level is the Idea and the obstacles that can present. the Hartville store. President Scott Sommers
House and the design centre. credits much of their success from treating
The lower level is a full basement 120,000 With a store of that size is it harder to get customers, employees, and the community
sq foot space. It is accessed by stairs from inventory turns? like family. They have many staff that have
the main floor of the store as well as the left Throughout our store we have areas worked there for 30-40 years. One of their

20 LBMAO Reporter - May-June 2024 www.lbmao.on.ca