WHAT HAPPENED IN VEGAS FLE NATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW IS TRULY NORTH AMERICAN In May, Reed Exhibitions hosted the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas, co-located with the All-Industry Convention of the North American Retail Hardware Association. Attendance at the show was in line with last year and enjoyed a particularly strong Canadian presence. A s economic recovery in the U.S. remains tentative, the prevailing mood at the National Hardware Show, held in Las Vegas from May 6-8, was decidedly positive. Playing host to more than 2,500 exhibitors, this year’s show—its 69th—drew steady traffic from buyers, dealers, and agents, all looking for new products while seeking to renew relationships with existing vendors. In fact, the range of North American brands at this year’s NHS included Benjamin Moore, 3M, SC Johnson, Craftsman, and for the first time in years, Black+Decker. The event also showcased the launch of some 600 new products. In addition, 120 Canadian manufacturers had booths at the show. “Our Canadian attendance has always been an important part of the National Hardware Show,” said Richard Russo, vice president of the National Hardware Show, “and I’m proud to say our Canadian buyer participation has increased from just under 200 attendees in 2010 to over 800 in 2013.” Buyers, including the likes of Home Depot Canada, BMR, Peavey, Home Hardware, and Canadian Tire, were all present in healthy numbers. Exhibitors reported that the traffic was very good, especially for the first day and a half of the three-day event. But the show wasn’t just good for meeting Canadian contacts; it was a great vehicle for increasing business south of the border and beyond. While many Canucks were exhibiting, many more were walking the show. Martin Verret, general sales manager for Candiac, Que.-based Techniseal, was there for the first time, exploring the aisles as a visitor. “I like the show. I like the design, with the booths separated by category.” He also found the critical mass of the show overall worthwhile. Clockwise from top left: Steve Matz of Louisiana Grills shows off the latest in barbecues; Jeremy Lippenholz at Black+Decker demonstrates a cleaning tool that uses steam instead of chemicals to kill germs; Apex Tool was celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Nicholson brand; Gardner Bender’s eTEQ wifi inspection camera gets behind walls with a fibre-optic cable; Richard Elden at Dbest Products with a line of collapsible wheeled carts. “It has created a good opportunity to have a conversation with the buyers. It has an easy flow—and Techniseal will have to be here [as an exhibitor] next year.” 42 THIRD QUARTER / 2014 Hardlines Home Improvement Quarterly www.hardlines.ca
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