Content about Orgill

Memphis, Tenn.-based distributor Orgill is a big believer in its model stores and their ability to inspire dealers to roll out new products and planograms. 

At this year’s Fall Market in Las Vegas, Orgill demonstrated four separate store types full of the latest in merchandise adjacenies, signage and retail ideas: Copper Canyon Hardware, Four Corners Hardware & Supply, North Lake Lumber and Frontier Farm & Hardware. 

Memphis-based distributor Orgill plans to upgrade its Orgill.com ordering tool for members, with an emphasis on improving its speed and efficiency.

The improvement project will be rolled out in two phases, according to David Meany, Orgill’s director of eCommerce. The first phase is expected to launch in mid September, with phase two occurring in spring of 2013.

You don’t win the hardware retailer of the year award in Worcester, Mass., for 15 straight years by being passive in the marketplace. 


To meet the challenges of a tough economy, Barrows Hardware ramped up its merchandising efforts with aggressive endcap promotions that in turn have generated increased sales.


Brian Barrows, president, said that as part of its “Door Busters” promotion, Barrows places up to 30 endcaps in the store featuring name-brand products and selling the items at cost.


The year 2004 marked the inauguration of the Home Channel Hall of Fame, with four deserving honorees, including Home Depot founders Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, inducted during the Golden Hammer Awards ceremony.

The inaugural Hall of Fame induction ceremony also honored Joe Orgill, chairman of Orgill, and Joe Hardy, founder of 84 Lumber.

Here are the Home Channel Hall of Fame inductees listed in chronological order:

2004: Bernie Marcus, co-founder, Home Depot

2004: Arthur Blank, co-founder, Home Depot 

Orgill, Distribution America, Ace Hardware, True Value and Lancaster make up the list of co-ops/distributors signed up for the new Buying Desk Program so far, according to organizers of the National Hardware Show.

Independent retailers attending the May 10-12 event in Las Vegas will have instant access to new products introduced at the event  through the show’s new Buying Desk Program. On the flip side, suppliers attending the 2011 event will be able to sell products to independent retailers through their existing co-operative and distributor programs.

Orlando, FLa. -- There were several noteworthy features of Orgill's 2011 Spring Dealer Market. The aisles were full and suppliers approached by Home Channel News were generally pleased with booth traffic. 

Behind the scenes, Orgill CEO Ron Beal said the Memphis-based distributor was working to improve on a record 2010.

"It's hard to hit home runs, but if we can be 1% or 2% or 5% or 10% better, the cumulative impact of that is very significant," Beal said.

Memphis, Tenn.-based Orgill's 2011 Spring Dealer Market kicked off Thursday with pallet specials and seminars, among other things.

The market floor included two concept stores to offer merchandising ideas to dealers: Beale Street Lumber and Delta Farm & Hardware. 

"These stores showcase the range of what Orgill can provide to retailers of different shapes, sizes and formats," said Orgill CEO Ron Beal.

In his welcoming note to attendees, Beal also pointed to the deals available in the Coupon and Pallet Buy areas.

Canada has emerged as a hot destination for home channel expansion. The latest company to enter the massive northern market is Scranton, Pa.-based AZEK Building Products.

The manufacturer of trim, molding, decking and railings will partner with PrimeSource Building Products Canada for complete national two-step distribution across Canada.

Suddenly, Memphis, Tenn.-based distributor Orgill views itself as a full-blown player in the Canadian market, thanks to a partnership with Canada’s Castle Building Centres. Orgill CEO Ron Beal walked Home Channel News through some of the thought processes that led to the venture.


• The partnership


Memphis, Tenn.-based distributor Orgill has partnered with Mississauga, Ontario-based Castle Building Centers to fully integrate Canada into Orgill’s core business.

Orgill has been eyeing the Canadian market for 15 years, and has been operating in limited capacity there for the past three years, shipping to independents in various parts of the country.

The partnership was reported originally in Hardlines, the Canadian home improvement industry magazine.