The 2005 National Hardware Show

Just back from two days at the National Hardware Show. Last year saw the demise of the Chicago show and the beginning of the Las Vegas Show. Rough years for both. This year, the Las Vegas Show was alive with more true hardware exhibitors and more attendees. Rumors were rampant that Depot and others were staying away, but that was not the case. Traffic was good and there were more small specialty distributors than ever before. the show had it's share of rough edges. The New Products area was a disaster. It was too small. Aisles were way too small and product was jammed in. People were going both directions and it was impossible to manuever. Some hardware folks were stuck in the back end of the Gourmet Food Show and the Lawn and Garden and off shore folks were stuck in an entirely different building.

The good news is that next year everyone is supposed to be together and I think the show will continue to grow.

I talked to several exhibitors with new products and they were especially pleased with the traffic and the ability to reach big name outlets for their products.

To paraphase, The Hardware Show is Dead, Long live the Hardware Show!