At its 2024 Fall Market, member-owned co-op Do it Best continued its mission to empower independent home improvement entrepreneurs by showcasing innovations in data, technology, and retail solutions. Held Sept. 6–9 at the Indianapolis Convention Center, this semi-annual event draws in new and prospective members, showcasing more than 100,000 products, displaying 3,300 new items, and introducing more than 120 new vendors, all under the theme Growth Mode: Activated.
Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing Nick Talarico explains that leveraging data and technology is the backbone of the company’s strategy and empowers Do it Best members to thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape. “Our data-driven approach is a pathway to growth. The detailed analytics we provide allow our members to enhance inventory management, streamline operations, and make data-backed decisions that drive profitability. Tools like our Inventory Productivity Analysis (IPA) and Tracula system are game-changers,” he said.
The Do it Best IPA tool and Tracula were unveiled at the 2024 Spring Market in March 2023 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.
Do it Best is also helping members succeed by integrating ecommerce solutions, providing nearly 2,000 stores with seamless online-to-in-store experiences. Powered by AI-driven search and merchandising, these tools are helping members meet evolving customer needs and increase online sales. One retailer reported a 130% year-over-year boost in online sales after utilizing these tools.
“We’re not just giving our members access to data,” added Talarico. “We’re actively using it to help them grow their businesses and succeed in a rapidly evolving retail environment.”
A central market feature is the immersive, 13,000-square-foot Solutions in Action exhibit, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to helping members grow in key departments like Farm & Ranch. “This is a critical category for retailers serving rural communities where these products are essential for daily life and work,” explained Vice President of Merchandising Jason Stofleth. “With an unmatched breadth and depth of Farm & Ranch products, we’re committed to equipping our members with everything they need to meet their customers’ diverse demands.”
The exhibit showcases the Do it Best store design, which incorporates modern styles, bright open floor plans, and engaging displays to create an outstanding shopping experience. The design focuses on making stores more inviting and efficient, while emphasizing Farm & Ranch products.
New this market, the Millwork and Interior Solutions department will display a fully furnished apartment mock-up called Studio 695. It highlights the wide range of products Do it Best provides for homes, apartments, condos, even dorm rooms. From cabinets and flooring to mattresses and housewares, even the kitchen sink, Do it Best provides solutions for its members’ customers.
The Merchandising Preview and the LBM Industry Update are two additional events that support member sales and growth. The Merchandising Preview is a high-energy, high-impact overview of top new products, specials, and vendor-exclusive products before the market floor opens, while the LBM Industry Update provides the latest insights on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Other special buying opportunities include The Vault, Pallet Specials, and LBM Super Specials, which offer unbeatable deals on products from top vendors.
The four-day event was also packed with nearly 20 free seminars led by industry experts. Topics include leveraging technology, gaining industry knowledge, increasing sales, enhancing operational excellence, and building on management skills—all designed to build member know-how for optimal business performance.
“There are tremendous opportunities for Do it Best members to build on the impressive growth we achieved throughout the past five years,” said President and CEO Dan Starr. “By leveraging our data and technology, our members can confidently grow their businesses, whether that’s by expanding their product mix, launching new departments, opening new locations, or acquiring existing retail stores. We’re equipping our members with the tools they need to continue thriving in a competitive market, and we’re confident they’ll leave this market with the insights and inspiration to capitalize on the momentum we’ve built together.”
