A national research study conducted by Eric Mower + Associates' Contractor Insight specialty reveals that contractors make nearly half of their tool and building supply purchases from big-box retailers.
"Retailers score high for variety and convenience, but that's not the whole story for brand marketers; they must 'see' the customer as a shopper, not only as a contractor. If they don't— and they don't know the shopper's journey or how to align their product in the retail environment— they will not reach full potential in the aisles," said John O'Hara partner and leader of EMA's Contractor Insight specialty.
When it comes to purchasing hand tools, power tools and tool accessories, big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's have an advantage over traditional distributors as the preferred shopping destination. Study respondents cited convenience, range of products and brands, and accessibility as their reasons for choosing their place of purchase.
According to the research, 46% of contractors purchase hand tools, 47% purchase power tools and 49% purchase accessories from big-box retailers; 42%, 35% and 36% purchase hand tools, power tools and accessories from distributors, respectively.
Contractors perceived big-box retailers to have a better variety of products, lower pricing, and greater convenience as a one-stop shop, according to the study. Of the respondents, 63% would prefer to make small-volume purchases at big box retailers.
Those who prefer purchasing through distributors said it was for their customer service (75%), relationships (70%), knowledge (63%) and delivery (54%), all of which ranked significantly higher when compared to retailers. Distributors were also ranked high for having tools for pros, shipping directly to the contractor site and credit arrangements. According to the survey, 80% would make large-volume purchases at the distributorship, especially for plumbers (91%).
The EMA study was administered online to 500 general contractors, electricians, plumbers and HVAC specialists. More than 90 percent of respondents have at least six years' professional experience. BD+C
Related Stories
Sustainability | Aug 15, 2023
Carbon management platform offers free carbon emissions assessment for NYC buildings
nZero, developer of a real-time carbon accounting and management platform, is offering free carbon emissions assessments for buildings in New York City. The offer is intended to help building owners prepare for the city’s upcoming Local Law 97 reporting requirements and compliance. This law will soon assess monetary fines for buildings with emissions that are in non-compliance.
Office Buildings | Aug 15, 2023
Amount of office space in U.S. is declining for the first time, says JLL
In what is likely a historic first, the amount of office space in the U.S. is forecast to decline in 2023, according to Jones Lang LaSalle. This would be the first net decline according to data going back to 2000, JLL says, and it’s likely the first decline ever.
Fire-Rated Products | Aug 14, 2023
Free download: Fire-rated glazing 101 technical guide from the National Glass Association
The National Glass Association (NGA) is pleased to announce the publication of a new technical resource, Fire-Rated Glazing 101. This five-page document addresses how to incorporate fire-rated glazing systems in a manner that not only provides protection to building occupants from fire, but also considers other design goals, such as daylight, privacy and security.
Office Buildings | Aug 14, 2023
The programmatic evolution of the lobby
Ian Reves, Managing Director for IA's Atlanta studio, shares how design can shape a lobby into an office mainstay.
Contractors | Aug 14, 2023
Fast-tracking construction projects offers both risk and reward
Understanding both the rewards and risk of fast-tracking a project can help owners, architects, engineers, and contractors maximize the benefits of this strategy and can bring great reward on all fronts when managed properly.
MFPRO+ New Projects | Aug 10, 2023
Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward gets a 21-story, 162-unit multifamily residential building
East of downtown Atlanta, a new residential building called Signal House will provide the city with 162 units ranging from one to three bedrooms. Located on the Atlanta BeltLine, a former railway corridor, the 21-story building is part of the latest phase of Ponce City Market, a onetime Sears building and now a mixed-use complex.
Office Buildings | Aug 10, 2023
Bjarke Ingels Group and Skanska to deliver 1550 on the Green, one of the most sustainable buildings in Texas
In downtown Houston, Skanska USA’s 1550 on the Green, a 28-story, 375,000-sf office tower, aims to be one of Texas’ most sustainable buildings. The $225 million project has deployed various sustainable building materials, such as less carbon-intensive cement, to target 60% reduced embodied carbon.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 10, 2023
The present and future of crisis mental health design
BWBR principal Melanie Baumhover sat down with the firm’s behavioral and mental health designers to talk about how intentional design can play a role in combatting the crisis.
Architects | Aug 10, 2023
Hoffmann Architects + Engineers awards first Diversity Advancement Scholarship to Reeja Shrestha of Howard University
Now in its inaugural year, the Hoffmann Scholarship was established in collaboration with the Connecticut Architecture Foundation (CAF) to support students from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups who are seeking degrees in architecture or engineering.
Senior Living Design | Aug 7, 2023
Putting 9 senior living market trends into perspective
Brad Perkins, FAIA, a veteran of more than four decades in the planning and design of senior living communities, looks at where the market is heading in the immediate future.
