Industry-Leading Research
A critical industry tool for growing your business
NHPA conducts industry research annually to help independent retailers learn more about a wide range of topics and industry data that will help them grow. This research is also one way that NHPA can advocate issues these retailers face with the rest of the channel.
Below you’ll find NHPA’s most popular research studies. Use these guides to help benchmark your business, learn more about a specific topic that interests you or promote your business.
Be Part of the Research
We’re stronger together.
One way to ensure the longevity of the independent channel is to share key performance metrics and other operational insights. Sign up to be the first to receive invitations to participate in critical industry research projects, like the Cost of Doing Business Study, the quarterly Independent Retailer Index and enterprise projects, like the 2024 Independent Home Improvement E-Commerce Study.
Join the list today to be the first to access the data.
The Industry's Approach to E-Commerce
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.
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
This annual report provides retailers and channel partners an overview of the state of the independent home improvement industry.
Employee Compensation Report
NHPA’s 2017 Employee Compensation Report includes data on employment, wages and benefits broken down by business type.
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 examines the powerful local impact consumers make when purchasing from an independent businesses instead of Amazon.
Merchandising for Profit
This industry study looked at nine of the most common merchandising techniques used by retailers and measured each one’s impact on sales.
2016 Retailers' Website Usage
This report helps you better understand how home improvement retailers use websites and manage the content they present on them.
2016 Social Media Study
Use this study to better understand how home improvement retailers operate their store’s social media accounts and learn about areas they can improve.
Succession Planning Study
This study takes a look at how more than 230 business owners, managers and employees are managing business succession plans.
2018 Tariff Study
This report looks at how current and proposed tariffs on imported aluminum and steel are expected to impact the U.S. home improvement industry.