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
| Mar 30, 2012
New windows and doors revitalize older buildings
With their improved aesthetics, energy efficiency, and durability, replacement windows and doors can add significant value to a renovation project.
| Mar 30, 2012
18 handy tablet apps for AEC professionals
Check out these helpful apps for everyday design and construction tasks. Our favorite: MagicPlan, which uses GPS to help you measure and draw a floor plan of any room.
| Mar 29, 2012
U.K.’s Manchester Airport tower constructed in nine days
Time-lapse video shows construction workers on the jobsite for 222 continuous hours.
| Mar 29, 2012
Roller shade operating system wins IF Product Design Award
Design experts in the iF jury recognized the engineering invested in the RB 500 Roller Shade, including a metal clutch with a patented construction, a durable zamac housing with polished finish, and a chain drive unit that excels in maximum operating comfort.
| Mar 29, 2012
Lehigh engineering student wins Thornton Tomasetti Foundation Awards Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student in structural engineering deemed by the department to have the potential to make an impact in the field professionally.
| Mar 29, 2012
Construction completed on Las Vegas’ newest performing arts center
The Smith Center will be the first major multi-purpose performance center in the U.S. to earn Silver LEED certification.
| Mar 29, 2012
Apartments provide permanent housing for California homeless
Gonzalez Goodale Architects designed complex to embrace community and engender sense of pride among residents.
| Mar 28, 2012
40 Under 40, the Class of 2012
Chosen from 223 applicants, these 40 young AEC professionals represent the Class of 2012 in Building Design+Construction’s “40 UNDER 40” competition.
| Mar 28, 2012
Milestone reached for LEED-certified buildings?
Total number of major global green buildings now stands at 12,000.
| Mar 28, 2012
Holden Cancer Center opens at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
The new cancer clinic provides a significant increase in patient space from the prior facility, which was located in an adjacent building.