New Innovations for Summer Product Mixes
For the past 56 years, the Retailers’ Choice Awards have shared insights from independent retailers on the best products on display at the National Hardware Show.
The awards, presented by the North American Hardware and Paint Association during the show in Las Vegas, honor manufacturers for their innovation.
The Retailers’ Choice Awards differ from most award programs in that they rely on the opinions of actual retailers who know what their peers need in a product to attract customers. The judges were all independent home improvement retailers who walked the show floor and selected products they felt were unique and interesting.
This year’s panel included:
- Diana Newton, Bay Hardware Store
- Jay Donnelly, Flanagan Paint & Supply
- Coreen Pierce, Koopman Lumber Co.
- Alexandria Lavaroni, Treat’s General Store
- Cory Rhynehart, Milton Hardware & Building Supply
- Ned Green, Weider’s Paint & Hardware
Keep scrolling to discover which products retailers felt had the most potential to excite customers and boost sales in their operation.
Grip-Free Paintbrush
FreeForm Brush Inc. | freeformbrush.com or 503-998-6200
Distributed by VLC Distribution, the FreeForm Grip-Free Paintbrush’s patented design allows fingers to relax, resulting in improved control, greatly reduced fatigue, unmatched comfort and a better painting experience. The Grip-Free Paintbrush has a 96 percent recommended rate and a 4.6 star rating. The striking colors and signature design stand out on the shelf.
Light Bulb Terrarium
West Coast Imports | wciimports.com
Light Up Multicolor Terrarium Glass Bulbs from i-Zoom® are available in four different plant styles and feature 10 LED string lights. They never need watering and include batteries.
Paint Stripping Gel
SYMN Industries LLC | kabosh.info or 888-771-9065
Kabosh™ ActivStrip™ removes multiple layers of latex and oil paints, varnish, stains, lacquers and more in a single application. It stays active and removes up to 15 layers of most paints in 24 hours. ActivStrip works on vertical and horizontal surfaces, including wood, metal, masonry and more. It is nonflammable and eco-friendly with no harsh fumes. 1 gallon covers 100 square feet.
Augmented Reality Wall Decals
Decalcomania LLC | decalcomania.com or 208-917-9174
Wall Palz by Decalcomania is innovating the wall decal industry by enhancing wall decals with augmented reality (AR). Using the Decalcomania AR App, children can create an interactive experience right in their bedroom by taking selfies and placing a life-sized 3D character directly on the floor. Decalcomania wall decals are the most technologically advanced decals in decades, utilizing AR to turn decoration into entertainment. Wall Palz decals are safe for both painted and textured walls and can be easily removed without damaging the surfaces.
Bungee Cords and Organizer
Wrap-It Storage | wrapitstorage.com
No matter where your bungee cords roam, they’ll always have a home back with your Bungee Buddy. The Bungee Buddy includes one organizer and eight bungee cords. The bungee cords feature coated steel hooks and can stretch up to 2x their original length.
Drill Mount
Midwest Innovative Products | drilldock.com or 866-744-6628
Drill Dock is designed to fit almost any drill or driver on the market. It securely attaches to shelves, tool bags, buckets or anywhere a worker needs. It includes fixed and clip mount options, a drill bit gauge, a heavy-duty magnet for driver tips and drill bits and a trigger guard to prevent the drill or driver from engaging while in a vertical position. It is built with commercial-grade materials and made in the U.S.
Custom Gifts and Accessories
Mariasch Studios Inc. | mariaschstudios.com
Mariasch Studios can print custom text onto its entire line of products, including 100 percent cotton dish towels, coasters, aprons, pillows and more at no additional cost. All products are handmade in the U.S.
Cordless Airless Paint Sprayer
Graco | graco.com or 800-275-5574
The 390 PC Cordless Airless Paint Sprayer delivers the same performance and productivity that has made the 390 PC Corded the industry standard for professional painting contractors. Now available with the freedom from cords, electrical outlets and generators, the paint sprayer allows contractors to spray every job faster and easier—whether they have available on-site power or not.
Tool Holster Set
Spider Tool Holster | spidertoolholster.com
Spider Tool Holster is a belt-mounted carrying system designed to improve the way workers carry power tools. Spider Tool Grips work with any hand-held tool, including power drills, impact drivers, reciprocal saws, pneumatic nailers, flashlights and more.
5-Tier Utility Rack
US Merchants | usmerchants.com or 310-228-4000
The 5-tier utility storage rack by Greenmade™ was designed for heavy-duty use. It is simple to assemble in a matter of minutes with no tools required, and each shelf can hold approximately 150 lbs. It is ideal for condensing space around the home whether it be indoors or in your garage, and it is made in the U.S.
