Research That Drives Results
NHPA delivers cutting-edge research designed specifically for independent hardware, paint and home improvement retailers. Each year, we study industry trends, performance metrics and business challenges to provide data you can use to make smarter decisions and grow with confidence.
Our research also helps advocate for the independent channel—giving retailers a stronger voice backed by real data. Explore NHPA’s research below to benchmark your business, identify opportunities and track where the industry is heading.
Data That Drives Growth
NHPA research gives you the numbers behind what’s working in independent retail. From profitability benchmarks to sales trends and market outlooks, these insights help you understand how your business compares to the channel and where to focus next. Retailers utilize our numbers for:
Measure performance against industry peers
Identify growth opportunities
Improve operations and profitability
Plan for future market changes
The Topics That Matter Most
NHPA’s research is designed specifically for independent retailers, which means the insights are practical, relevant and actionable for your business. Our research covers key topics in:
Financial performance and profitability
Sales and market trends
Labor and staffing insights
Customer behavior and buying patterns
Operational best practices
Cost of Doing Business Study
This annual study provides detailed financial information from hardware stores, home centers, lumber/building material outlets and paint stores in the U.S.
Market Measure Report
This annual report provides retailers and channel partners an overview of the state of the independent home improvement industry.
Quarterly Independent Performance Report
This quarterly benchmarking report—produced in partnership with The Farnsworth Group—provides retailers and channel partners with a real-time snapshot of independent retail performance and industry trends.
Additional Research
2025 Merchandising for Profit Study
This industry study looked at nine of the most common merchandising techniques used by retailers and measured each one’s impact on sales.
2024 Independent Home Improvement E-Commerce Study
Over the last several years, independent retailers have had to reassess their approach to e-commerce, an online presence and digital marketing to address changing customer expectations. In the 2024 Independent Home Improvement E-Commerce Study, we asked retailers how they’re showing up online in the first comprehensive report post-pandemic.
Home Sweet Home Study
This study examines the positive economic activity that professional contractors, builders and other tradespeople generate by supporting independent businesses.
Home Sweet Home Pros' Edition
This study examines the positive economic activity that professional contractors, builders and other tradespeople generate by supporting independent businesses.
Home Sweet Home Amazon Edition
This study examines the powerful local impact consumers make when purchasing from independent businesses instead of Amazon.
Succession Planning Study
This study takes a look at how more than 230 business owners, managers and employees are managing business succession plans.
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