Retail Observer

Even with a stable market, the things customers want continue to change, and Robisch reminded retailers to be aware of how they can continue to meet customers' needs. Next, Pat Murphy, vice president at Mobinar, talked about the importance of mobile-friendly retail experiences and how retailers must embrace technology to continue to connect with millennials. "You have to find platforms to reach mobile audiences on their level. You have to go where they are," Murphy says. Michael Switzer, partner in Goldberg Segalla LLP, a law firm that works with Member Insurance Agency, spoke about cyber security. He spoke about data breach and cyber liability, coverage for data breach liability and how retailers can protect their businesses from closing if they have customer data compromised. A retailer panel moderated by Scott Wright, who is executive director of the Retail Leadership Institute, which is part of the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and made up of panelists Jim Rivas, director of retail operations, Friedman's Home Improvement; Christian Herrick, president and CEO, Randy's Do It Best Hardware; and Josiah Gates, director of retail innovation, Aubuchon Hardware, offered the panelists the opportunity to talk about their journeys to becoming leaders. "My first big responsibility was opening a new store. When it came to handling day-to-day operations, I was overwhelmed and didn't know what my role was," Josiah Gates said during the presentation. "It was definitely a learning opportunity for me." Keynote speaker Mark Herbek of the Cleveland Research Company talked about the state of the U.S. economy, how the home improvement market was recovering and some merchandising initiatives to help retailers realize their businesses' full potential. Next up was Dale Hoover of Anza Environments. Hoover spoke about problems that innovative store design solves, and how design can help retailers improve their bottom line. "They want an open and more efficient shopping experience," Hoover says of consumers. Finally, Tom Stimac, chief innovation manager for GE Lighting and Steve Hegenderfer, director of development programs for Bluetooth, took the stage to talk more about the smart home category and how growth in this category could mean great success for retailers. AWARDS CEREMONIES The National Hardware Show offers a time and place to honor individuals and groups in the industry for their dedication, innovation, success and more.

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