Builders Lumber & Hardware Enhances Shopping Experience With Expansion
For decades, Builders Lumber & Hardware in Shelbyville, Indiana, has been supporting contractors and homeowners with all their home improvement needs. With a wide selection of materials and a knowledgeable staff, customers know they can get everything they need when they pop in. The operation was founded in 1988 by husband-and-wife team Dennis and Ruth Baker. Today, the store is run by their son Brian, and with his guidance, the family’s commitment to excellence has grown stronger with each passing year.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, Builders Lumber & Hardware is executing a 5,000-square-foot expansion
- The business has seen increased sales to DIYers since the pandemic
- Store manager Ben Compton attended NHPA’s Retail Management Certification Program to learn from experts and develop a business improvement project focused on inventory management
“Flooring is something we added on a few years ago on a whim and it has really taken off since then. This new space will allow us to offer in store consultations more easily with a meeting room and a larger show floor.”
- Ben Compton
Store Manager
Brian has been running the operation since 2012 and became the owner in 2016. In his time at the helm, he has worked to cater towards area contractors, specifically those in plumbing, electrical, lumber, millwork, paint, home decor, building materials as well as doors and windows.
“Traditionally, we’ve catered more towards contractors,” Brian says. “Since the pandemic, we are bringing in more DIYers.”
With an influx in DIY shoppers, Brian has expanded several categories, specifically outdoor grills and flooring. As the plans for expanding categories came up, he realized a salesfloor of 15,000 square feet was no longer going to meet the needs of the business.To create a more expansive shopping experience, the team at Builders Lumber & Hardware is planning a 5,000-square-foot expansion that will be completed in 2023.
Growing in Space and Knowledge
In addition to wanting to expand the store’s footprint, Brian wanted to also invest in growing the knowledge of his employees. In 2022, store manager Ben Compton participated in the North American Hardware and Paint Association’s (NHPA) Retail Management Certification Program. The program is a six-month college-level course in which students attend in-person class sessions to learn from industry experts, retailers and their peers. The program culminates with students presenting their business improvement project.
Compton’s business improvement project for Builders Lumber & Hardware focused on inventory management, which will help the team stay on top of what they have, what’s on the sales floor and what needs to be ordered. The project is even more helpful as the staff adjusts to a larger retail space and increased product inventory.
The newly expanded store will allow Brian to increase the company’s outdoor grilling and accessories department. The addition will also allow for a large focus on home decor. This includes a broader selection in cabinets, countertops and flooring. The team also plans on creating an outdoor patio area to display outdoor kitchens and host grilling demonstrations, according to Compton.
“Flooring is something we added on a few years ago on a whim and it has really taken off since then,” Compton says. “This new space will allow us to offer in store consultations more easily with a meeting room and a larger show floor.”
Compton says he is also excited to bring events to the store featuring Big Green Egg grills and accessories.
“We’ve been selling Big Green Egg products for a little over a year now and it has been a huge success,” Compton says. “Once summer comes, we hope to hold events to show off the product, host family days and bring the community together.”
Most recently, Builders Lumber & Hardware was honored by the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce as the Business of the Year in Shelby County, Indiana.
“We are grateful for this recognition and will continue to serve Shelby County and all surrounding areas with the best products and services,” says Brian.
