Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
The industry will continue to face challenges, despite an improving economy. Competition from big-box home improvement stores will threaten operators, with consumers choosing to make purchases from stores that offer a large variety of products and convenience. The recovering housing market will boost demand, however, as consumers who are looking to repair or improve their homes will purchase hardware from industry operators... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Investment Chapter
Capital expenditure for this industry comes in the form of fixtures and fittings, such as display shelves and cash registers. Throughout the past decade, the industry has increased its level of capital expenditure owing to the introduction and implementation of point of sale (POS) systems. Prior to this technology, cash registers recorded sales. The introduction of POS systems has simplified labor tasks and minimized the number of employee mistakes. Further advances to the level of capital expenditure have come from the introduction, development and maintenance of websites for online sales.
Labor costs for this industry are incurred through the need to employ staff for company stores... purchase to read more