Just three months since announcing its new marketing strategy, independent retail network Home Timber & Hardware has reported strong interest from other independent hardware owners wanting to join the group.

Fifty Thrifty-Link members are said to be keen to join the Home Timber & Hardware brand, a direct response from the network’s marketing strategy and promotion programs, designed for both mid-sized retailers and larger format stores with a strong trade and retail mix.

Danks general manager, operations, Con Dekazos said independent retailers who move over to the Home group are gaining from the strong brand recognition, ‘Dogalogue’ program and an increase in marketing options associated with the Home brand, including television advertising and high-profile sponsorships.

At the same time, smaller stores who remain with the Thrifty-Link brand benefit from its new flexible marketing program, which is more easily managed to achieve their individual business goals and local market activities.

“This period of growth will be one of the biggest in recent times for the Home group. We currently have over 200 stores nationwide and interest is intensifying as medium and large format store owners recognise the unmistakable benefits it presents as more competition enters the market,” he said.

Stephen Rule, owner of Plainlands Hardware and Rural in Queensland, is looking forward to relaunching his store under Home’s recognisable orange and turquoise banner in August.

“As a larger store, the Home marketing program was the perfect fit for my business, giving us greater marketing nationally and in our local area,” he said.

Rule is also looking forward to extended product ranges he can access as a Home member; with work already commencing on a Home Garden department to fill the gap of nurseries in the local area.