Products

In 2018, the toy industry was turned upside down when retail giant Toys R Us filed for bankruptcy and ultimately closed all its 800+ stores in the United States. For many kids, visiting Toys R Us during the holiday season and creating their wish list was almost as much fun as unwrapping the presents. Their departure from the market created opportunities for other retail segments to add toys to their merchandising mix, even if only for the holiday season. The question is, where to start?

During Do it Best’s Fall 2022 Market, I might have found the perfect toy for hardware retailers to stock—E-Blox. E-Blox are like LEGO^® bricks with snap-together blocks but add electric circuit design. With the addition of electricity, children’s creations now become alive—a robot with flashing red eyes, a spinning multi-speed airplane propeller or most anything kids can imagine. Since E-Blox sets are modular, children can constantly add to their creations. Click here to watch an adult review, or click here to watch from a child’s perspective.

E-Blox are STEM.org Authenticated™, which confirms the products align with the STEM principles—Science, Technology and/or Math standards. The acronym STEM was started in the early 1990s by educators and has worldwide adoption supporting the development of student skills for the 21st Century. As a father of a 10-year-old, I have played numerous STEM Authenticated games, and it’s amazing what children are learning, all while playing.

Since E-Blox building block sets are designed for children between the ages of 5 and 14, I needed to expand my traditional testing group to include my son and a few of his friends. The kids immediately began snapping the familiar modular pieces together to create their airplane propeller launcher. Once the launcher was built, the fun continued with games to see who could launch it farther and other variations. The kids started to discuss how to combine their blocks and make the “super launcher.”

If your store currently carries toys or is considering adding them to the merchandising mix, I can think of no better toy to start with than E-Blox. What other products do you stock in your store that contribute to the store’s revenue while creating a new generation of hardware store customers?

The Lufkin brand name dates back to 1869 when E.T. Lufkin Board and Log Rule Manufacturing Company started in Cleveland, Ohio, to serve the logging industry. Lufkin is known for innovation, introducing the first steel tape measure produced in the USA in 1890 and later the folding wooden rule. The folding rule was the primary measuring tool until the 1940s with the introduction of the retractable tape measure. The company is now known as Crescent Lufkin, which is part of the Apex Tool Group, one of the largest hand tool manufacturers in the world.

Click here and here to view brief videos of all the Shockforce™ G2’s enhancements.

We received a shipment of the Shockforce™ G2, the second generation of the Shockforce tape measure, rated for 120’ drops. A quick visual inspection of the G2 indicates this tape was made for the harsh environment of the job site. The G2 features a thicker casing, reinforced fastening points, nested endhook, a thru-hole for tethering and an improved belt clip for attachment.

The robust construction continues inside with a wider, thicker blade featuring a Mylar coating on the first 6″ to prevent blade tears from twisting and turning. Due to the enhanced blade, the G2 achieves an industry-leading 17’ of reach. The tape’s endhook is diamond coated with 360° grasping power and firmly secured with multiple anchors. There are three versions of the G2: standard, auto-lock and magnetic endhook, ranging in size from 16’ and 25’ to 35’.

We provided G2s to professional tradesmen ranging from carpenters to general handymen. All our testers commented on the premium feel of the enhanced case and overall ruggedness. One tester stated, “You immediately knew this tape was built by pros for pros. Like the folding wooden rule, the Shockforce G2 is designed for years of use in some of the most challenging work environments.

The Robert Bosch Tool Corp. GLL50-50G is a green beam self-leveling 360° cross-line laser. The green laser is four times brighter than traditional red beam and has a working distance up to 100 feet. The laser line can be quick changed from cross-line to either a horizontal or vertical plane using a simple rocker button.

The unit has a full rubber housing to absorb impacts without damaging the laser. The housing has an IP (Ingress Protection) 64 rating, making it dust tight and water resistant. The bottom has a built-in tripod screw mount for increased versatility.

When turned on with the thumb slider button the tool’s smart pendulum system immediately broadcasts a green cross-beam and self-levels. If the beam cannot be self-leveled, then the laser will flash a few times to indicate the beam is not level. Included in the case is an L-bracket and clip. The L-bracket contains rare earth magnets for improved holding strength and a keyhole for hanging. The clip and L-bracket are designed to work together for additional application use like a drop ceiling.

The GLL50-40G came just in time for one of our testers, who began his kitchen remodel a day before the tool arrived. Our tester had an older red laser level and could not believe the difference in visibility provided by the green laser, especially in a sun-drenched room. He also commented on the intuitive design and “right out of the box” use and that there was no need to read complex directions or search through complex menus. The GLL50-50 is an outstanding cross-line laser with a compact, rugged design, making it a great addition to any hardware store’s product mix.

The GST18V-47N is an 18V barrel-grip jig saw with a list of impressive features. The barrel-grip has a soft grip area and slim circumference, enabling better control of the saw. The variable-speed dial below the barrel-grip enables the user to control the cutting speed from 550 up to 2,700 no-load strokes per minute, providing a smooth and clean cut. The saw is capable of cutting wood up to 4.7 inches and .08 inches of aluminum.

The GST18V-47N also features a user-selectable orbital action lever ranging from zero (off) to four. The orbital action takes the blade’s straight sawing movement and adds increasing levels of elliptical motion, making for a faster cut. Replacing the cutting blade requires no tools due to its T-shank blade-changing system. The cutting lines are always visible with the aid of dust blower and LED light shining directly on the cutting surface.

We supplied the jig saws to a professional contractor and an avid DIYer. Both immediately commented on the ergonomics, feel of the barrel-grip and lightweight construction. This was the first time our DIYer used a jig saw with orbital action and raved about the increased cutting speed. He explained the increased cutting speed as “the difference between walking and running.” If your store carries power tools, then the GST18V-47 is a high-quality jig saw with outstanding feel and performance.

GSB18V-975CN 18V Brushless Connected-Ready Brute Tough 1/2 In. Hammer Drill/Driver has a powerful brushless motor that provides efficient power for up to 975 In.-Lbs. of max torque and 0-31,500 beats per minute, but weighs only 3.4 lbs.

Features KickBack Control and variable-speed settings: high speed (0-2,100 rpm) and high power (0-480 rpm) and a precision clutch with 25 settings to reduce fastener damage.

Rapid mode selection switches between drilling mode and driving mode without needing to adjust the clutch.

The drill features connectivity (module sold separately), which links users to a connected device via the Bosch Toolbox App to customize settings.

Robert Bosch Tool Corp.
www.boschtools.com
888-699-4646

The El Marko® brand has been revived by Century Club manufacturer C.H. Hanson.

El Marko® brand includes a full line of permanent markers, paint markers, china markers and lumber crayons.

Available in red, black, blue, white and yellow.

These paint markers deliver permanent, high visibility marks on all surfaces—even oily, rusty and greasy films.

C.H. Hanson Company
www.chhanson.com
800-827-3398

Engineered to consistently adhere to difficult surfaces such as self-cleaning paints and rough textures, including stucco, brick and concrete, FrogTape High Bond Exterior Painter’s Tape is ideal for outdoor projects that require a strong, conformable tape that offers clean removal without shredding.

It features an aggressive adhesive that is capable of holding strong during tough outdoor projects—such as keeping poly sheeting in place during spray painting—yet it removes cleanly, without residue, for up to three days.

Not only does it stick to difficult, uneven substrates, but it also adheres well to painted wood, aluminum, steel and vinyl. Plus, its crepe paper backing allows it to conform easily to bends and turns, making a quick task of masking around exterior doorways and windows.

Shurtape Technologies/FrogTape®
www.frogtape.com/contractors

Increase your store revenue with CheckSammy junk removal services. Nationwide store partners average $125-150/day in added revenue.

CheckSammy has developed a proprietary technology platform and logistics infrastructure comprised of over 5,000 drivers to streamline service workflows. Floor and countertop display stands provided—simple and easy!

Guaranteed service in 48 hours. Typically priced 30% below next national competitors.

QR code for ordering. No training required and no inventory to stock.

CheckSammy Technologies
www.CheckSammy.com
866-977-7988

A floormat is more than just a decoration at the front of a home/business. The floormat helps prevent dirt and moisture from entering the structure, but it also provides traction if the surface is slippery or wet. However, not all floormats are created equal in both quality and performance.

Sika recently introduced the Sikagard® Vinyl Mat/Liner that can handle the simplest of jobs to the most demanding. The vinyl mat/liner is designed for both interior/exterior applications, is impact/weather resistant, porous for quick drainage, and high traction certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). The mats are also easily trimmable, enabling customization to fit almost any application including steps, walkways, garages/sheds, exercise rooms, boats and more. Click here for additional product information. Click here to view a company video showing the countless uses for the vinyl mat/liner.

Considering the virtually limitless applications, we decided to supply samples to a wide group of testers for both commercial and residential use. While all testers reported the mats performed flawlessly, it was the range of uses that grabbed our attention. One tester used the mat to stop plastic gas cans from sliding in a truck with a spray-in bedliner. Another tester lined the floor of an outdoor shower taking advantage of the mat’s anti-mildew feature.

The ultimate test came from a commercial boat captain who operates a marine towing and salvage company. Foot traction is critical and can be the difference between staying in the boat or going overboard. The captain reported the mats increased his traction on the wet fiberglass and reduced the impact of rough waves at sea. We may revisit this review in one year to see how well the mats held up in the harsh marine environment and blazing South Florida sun.

Sika’s Sikagard® Vinyl Mat/Liner is an outstanding addition to any hardware store. Its application is only limited by the customer’s imagination.

In 2020, the North American battery market was valued at $22.5 billion and expected to grow at an annual rate of 10.5 percent through 2027. It seems all the attention is focused on either electric vehicles (EVs) or the consumer electronic markets. However, one market that seems to fly under the radar is the professional market. Procell, a division of Duracell, is looking to provide hardware stores with the products and resources to service this valuable industry.

Procell is a premium battery that exclusively serves the professional market. What sets Procell apart from the consumer market is the focus on “device-specific” applications for the hospitality, medical, infrastructure, industrial and safety/security markets. The power needs for a smoke detector (constant drain) are completely different than a paper towel dispenser (high drain). This device-specific approach extends the life of the battery. While extending the battery life does yield a cost savings, the real savings is realized in the reduction of labor required to change the battery. Labor accounts for 72 percent of a large commercial facility’s battery replacement cost. Click here to view a company video on the cost of battery replacement.

Procell’s full product line includes Alkaline Intense Power & Constant Power, Lithium Coin and High Power Lithium in standard sizes: AAA, AA, C, D, 9V, 2032, 2025, 2016, 123 and CR2. Click here to view the entire line. Explore the product pages for descriptions, features, recommended device usage and data sheets. Procell has also created an impressive suite of tools to help retailers educate the professional market on the potential total cost savings of using a device-specific battery vs. a consumer brand battery – click here to view. They also offer additional calculation tools only available by contacting a Procell representative.

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Labor costs may account for 72% of a large commercial facility’s battery replacement costs.

Annual savings of 36% on the total battery replacement costs for an office of 500+ people are achievable.

Choosing the right batteries can mean 75% fewer batteries are used each year in a large commercial facility.

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We supplied Procell batteries to local hotel owners and one commercial property company. Although not a scientific experiment, all testers reported longer life and better performance of their battery-powered devices in a wide range of applications—hotel door locks, paper dispensers, flashlights, etc. Prior to providing the samples we utilized Procell’s tools to help educate the property owner on the total potential cost savings. One owner’s quote summed up the Procell advantage: “With today’s economic conditions we are constantly looking for ways to lower our overhead, but never once thought to analyze our total battery replacement cost. We just bought the cheapest batteries we could find and thought we were saving money.”

If your store services the professional market or you are looking to enter the market, contact a Procell representative to learn more about their products and resources to help make you successful.