Make sure to provide that human connection. You'll win in this area,
and have an advantage no one can touch."
Other speakers included the following:
• Dustin Kaehr presented "Customers Uncensored: What They
Wish You Knew" and told the audience more about what
customers are saying when retailers aren't around.
• Bill Brunelle of Independent We Stand and Dan Tratensek of
NRHA gave an update to the Home Sweet Home study, focusing
this time on pros and their shopping habits, and how those
habits can impact local communities.
• Al Meyers, a business innovator from Kalypso, told independent
retailers how they could set themselves apart from others in his
presentation, "Break Out of the Pack."
• Will Aubuchon of Aubuchon Hardware talked about the
company's omnichannel initiative, Aubuchon Go.
• GE Lighting's James Patton discussed the future of lighting
solutions and how retailers can incorporate lighting into their
smart home options.
• Eugene Andreassi told the audience about Benjamin Moore's
Store of the Future concept in his presentation, "Store of
Tomorrow," which included the store's origins and development
and how this new model mirrors the future of customers'
expectations.
• In "The Store is STILL Important," Jim Robisch, senior partner
with The Farnsworth Group, spoke about the importance of the
in-store experience and how it still plays a critical role in shoppers'
buying habits.
Mark your calendars! Next year, the National Hardware Show will
be held May 8-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Please visit
www.nationalhardwareshow.com to learn more.
RO
