Cost of Doing Business Study
For over 100 years, this annual study provides detailed financial information from hardware stores, home centers, lumber and building materials (LBM) outlets and paint and decorating outlets in the U.S. that independent retailers can use to benchmark their business.
Study Benefits
Compare your financials to peers
Identify cost-saving opportunities
Improve margins
Plan for long-term growth
A Better Year Starts With Better Data
Available for purchase, the 2025 Cost of Doing Business Study provides NHPA’s annual financial and operational profile of independent hardware stores, home centers, lumber and building materials (LBM) outlets and paint and decorating outlets across the U.S. Measure your business, assess performance and plan for the future with the industry’s benchmark study.
How the Study Improves Your Business
Additional Resources
NHPA has created a library of resources to help retailers better understand and use the metrics presented throughout the Cost of Doing Business Study. These resources include case studies from other retailers who have improved specific metrics and videos retailers can share with their employees to train them to better understand the financial side of the business.
Explore More Today
NHPA offers additional research available to purchase or download for free. Explore insights from the annual Market Measure Report and the Quarterly Independent Performance Report to better understand industry trends and benchmark your business.
