Industry-Leading Research

The best resource to help grow 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.

Join the Retailer Research Panel


    Empower the Industry With Data

    We’re stronger together. One way to ensure the longevity of the independent channel is to share key performance metrics and other operational insights. Enter your email to be added to the Retailer Research Panel list and you’ll receive invitations to participate in regular NHPA research initiatives throughout the year. Sharing your data helps the entire channel succeed.

    Get the 2023 Cost of Doing Business Study

    Get detailed financial information from independent hardware stores, home centers, lumber and building materials (LBM) outlets and paint and decorating outlets in the U.S. Retailers can use this resource to compare their operations to average and high-profit operations in the industry. It can also be used as a tool to determine ways to increase profits.

    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.