The Grit Blueprint Podcast
Transforming Hardware Stores: How Nation’s Best Creates Retail Magic w/ Chris Miller
May 27, 2025 Length: 36 min Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)
On The Grit Blueprint Podcast, Chris Miller of Nation's Best shares how the company is transforming hardware stores, growing from zero to 64 stores across 18 states. He explains how immediate investments in store renovations turn mom-and-pop hardware stores into professional retail environments.
About This Episode.
Chris Miller of Nation's Best shares how the company has grown from zero to 64 stores across 18 states by immediately investing in store renovations that transform mom-and-pop hardware stores into professional retail environments. Their strategy centers on honoring retail legacies while modernizing operations through strategic investments, technology integration, and talent development.
"Our growth is boundless because there will always be thousands of locations facing succession challenges, and we can continue honoring these legacies for a long, long time."
- • Started Nation's Best in 2019 to solve succession planning challenges for hardware retailers
- • Grown to 64 locations across 18 states with more acquisitions planned
- • Invests heavily in store renovations to create professional shopping environments that attract high-end customers
- • Previous owners typically stay with the business post-acquisition to maintain community relationships
- • Focuses on attracting younger talent through career pathing, training platforms, and technology integration
- • Implementing AI for targeted marketing, electronic pricing, and blueprint takeoffs
- • Created unique customer experiences like the "new customer goodie bag" at Halls Hardware
Key Takeaways.
- Nation's Best started in 2019 to solve succession planning challenges for hardware retailers, and more acquisitions are planned.
- Heavy investment in store renovations creates professional shopping environments that attract high-end customers.
- Previous owners typically stay with the business after an acquisition to maintain community relationships.
- Career pathing, training platforms, and technology integration help attract younger talent.
- The company is implementing AI for targeted marketing, electronic pricing, and blueprint takeoffs.
Questions and Answers.
What is Nation's Best?
Nation's Best started in 2019 to solve succession planning challenges for hardware retailers. Chris Miller explains how it has grown from zero to 64 stores across 18 states by investing in store renovations and modernizing operations.
Do owners stay after Nation's Best acquires their store?
Previous owners typically stay with the business after the acquisition to maintain community relationships.
How is Nation's Best using AI?
Nation's Best is implementing AI for targeted marketing, electronic pricing, and blueprint takeoffs.
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