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AT ITS RECENT 2024 fall market, member-owned co-op Do it Best continues its mission to empower independent home improvement entrepreneurs by showcasing innovations in data, technology and retail solutions. Held Sept. 6–9 at the Indianapolis Convention Center, the semi-annual event drew in new and prospective members, showcasing more than 100,000 products, displaying 3,300 new items, and introducing more than 120 new vendors, all under the theme “Growth Mode: Activated.”
Executive VP of sales & marketing Nick Talarico explains that leveraging data and technology is the backbone of the company’s strategy and empowers members to thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape. “Our data-driven approach is a pathway to growth. The detailed analytics we provide allow our members to enhance inventory management, streamline operations, and make data-backed decisions that drive profitability. Tools like our Inventory Productivity Analysis (IPA) and Tracula system are game-changers,” he said.
Do it Best is also helping members succeed by integrating ecommerce solutions, providing nearly 2,000 stores with seamless online-to-in-store experiences. Powered by AI-driven search and merchandising, these tools are helping members meet evolving customer needs and increase online sales. One retailer reported a 130% year-over-year boost in online sales after utilizing these tools.
“We’re not just giving our members access to data,” added Talarico. “We’re actively using it to help them grow their businesses and succeed in a rapidly evolving retail environment.”
New to the market, the Millwork & Interior Solutions department displayed a fully furnished apartment mock-up called Studio 695. It highlighted the wide range of products Do it Best provides for homes, apartments, condos, even dorm rooms—from cabinets and flooring to mattresses and housewares, even the kitchen sink.
The Merchandising Preview was a high-energy, high-impact overview of top new products, specials, and vendor-exclusive products before the market floor opened, while the LBM Industry Update provided the latest insights on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Other special buying opportunities included The Vault, Pallet Specials, and LBM Super Specials.
The four-day event was packed with nearly 20 free seminars led by industry experts. Topics included leveraging technology, gaining industry knowledge, increasing sales, enhancing operational excellence, and building on management skills.
During the show, Do it Best also recognized its 2024 Vendors of the Year, including:
• Overall Sales Growth: Freud & Diablo Tools
• LBM Excellence: Specialty Building Products, LLC
• Supply Chain Excellence: Leviton
• Outstanding Products & Services: Reliance Water Heater
• By Department: Simpson Strong-Tie (building materials), Georgia-Pacific Gypsum (building materials-direct), InSinkErator (decorative plumbing), Milwaukee Tool (electrical), Klein Tools (hand tools), Kwikset (hardwares), Boise Cascade (lumber distribution), GreenFirst Forest Products (lumber/EWP), Nelson Wood Shims (millwork), Benjamin Moore (paint), and Georgia-Pacific Plywood (structural panels).
