{"id":28612,"date":"2021-02-26T15:42:36","date_gmt":"2021-02-26T22:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paladinpointofsale.com\/retailscience\/home\/?p=28612"},"modified":"2025-09-22T15:15:22","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T22:15:22","slug":"home-improvement-more-essential-than-ever","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paladinpointofsale.com\/retailscience\/home\/home-improvement-more-essential-than-ever\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Improvement More Essential Than Ever"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.29)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title meta=”off” featured_placement=”background” _builder_version=”4.16″ title_font=”|700||on|||||” title_text_color=”#ffffff” title_font_size=”30px” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.15)” background_enable_image=”off” background_blend=”color” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ text_orientation=”center” custom_padding=”15%||15%” z_index_tablet=”0″ title_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” title_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” title_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” meta_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” meta_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” meta_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_style=”preset2″ parallax_effect=”on” module_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Benjamin Franklin” quote_icon_color=”#cc6633″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cOut of adversity comes opportunity.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Adversity\u00a0<\/span>hit hard in 2020<\/span>, but\u00a0<\/span>home improvement\u00a0<\/span>is one of several industries\u00a0<\/span>making\u00a0<\/span>the most<\/span>\u00a0of the opportunities created by\u00a0<\/span>the coronavirus pandemic.\u00a0<\/span>And\u00a0<\/span>the momentum<\/span>\u00a0shows few signs of slowing down in 2021.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>pandemic has taught\u00a0<\/span>us<\/span>\u00a0many lessons. Probably one of the most important\u00a0is the importance of home and family.<\/span>\u00a0When health organizations and governments shut down societies to curb the spread of the virus, homes became remote workplaces,\u00a0<\/span>classrooms<\/span>, gyms<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0and entertainment centers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px|0px|18.95px|0px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Opportunities from adversity” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Opportunities from <\/span><\/span>a<\/span><\/span>dversity<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

To accommodate all these additional uses, and with\u00a0<\/span>a lot of extra<\/span>\u00a0time spent at home for American workers,\u00a0<\/span>the preponderance of\u00a0<\/span>DIY projects\u00a0<\/span>spread\u00a0<\/span>as rapidly as<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>a<\/span>\u00a0virus.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A North American Hardware and Paint Association (NHPA) survey\u00a0<\/span>of 700\u00a0<\/span>domestic h<\/span>ome improvement<\/span>\u00a0stores\u00a0<\/span>showed that 87% of them reported growth\u00a0<\/span>of 24.2% because of the pandemic.\u00a0<\/span>Overall, the industry grew 19.4% from the start of the pandemic to the end of 2020.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Being designated an essential industry, which allowed stores to keep their doors open, certainly sparked the industry<\/span>\u00a0growth<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>And, according to the\u00a0<\/span>Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI<\/span><\/a>), brick<\/span>–<\/span>and<\/span>–<\/span>mortar stores accounted for anywhere f<\/span>rom 80% to 90% of home improvement project sales.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Circumstances have also played a huge role in the home improvement boom.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Urban flight kicked into warp drive when\u00a0<\/span>large corporations sent their workers home. Many\u00a0<\/span>companies\u00a0<\/span>chose to make remote work permanent which has prompted many American workers to seek more rural, family-friendly, and less expensive homes and lifestyles.\u00a0<\/span>National Association of Realtors<\/span><\/a>\u00a0statistics show that existing home sales in December 2020 reached their highest levels in 14 years.<\/span>\u00a0Aiding the flight is historically low mortgage rates.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Times are a-changing” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Times are a<\/span><\/span>–<\/span><\/span>changing<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Jim Robisch, senior partner of the Farnsworth Group which provides market research across a wide spectrum of industries<\/span>\u00a0including h<\/span>ome improvement<\/span>, recently said the pandemic essentially changed the way people shop overnight. The changes \u2013 the most prevalent being\u00a0<\/span>the increase of\u00a0<\/span>online shopping \u2013 ha<\/span>ve<\/span>\u00a0been slowly coming over many years.<\/span>\u00a0They had not impacted the hardware and home improvement industries as much as others, b<\/span>ut the pandemic and the accompanying social and economic restrictions hit\u00a0<\/span>all\u00a0<\/span>businesses like a sledgehammer.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow customers are shopping, where they shop, and how they purchase all changed,\u201d he said in a recent NHPA webinar. \u201cIf you don\u2019t adapt, if you don\u2019t change the way you go after this market today, the consequences are going to be more significant than ever before.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Robisch and other experts agree that the pandemic has forever altered the way people shop and how they will pay for and retrieve their purchases.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConsumers expect more from merchants today. Due in part to the evolution of retail, which now offers more personalized choices from e-commerce companies, shoppers want similar features from their neighborhood stores,\u201d says Dan Nesmith, president of\u00a0<\/span>Paladin Data Corporation<\/span><\/a>, a leader in retail management technology. \u201cStores need to embrace new ideas and all technology offers. Merchants need to create a strong and cohesive digital image for their stores including automated customer satisfaction surveys, mobile-friendly e-commerce customer portals, digital advertising, and strong, secure in-store Wi-Fi.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Investment opportunities<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Robisch\u00a0<\/span>says now is the time for independent hardware and home improvement stores to\u00a0<\/span>change the way they do business and invest their pandemic windfall into\u00a0<\/span>their stores\u2019 future.<\/span>\u00a0With business still booming<\/span>\u00a0potential investment opportunities include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”Retail management technology will improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase sales through online opportunities. Online shopping is growing among all age categories. ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – Retail management” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Expanding product lines such as equipment rentals or safety products have boomed since the pandemic. Studies show shoppers will continue to be safety conscious even post-vaccine. ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – Expanding product” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Exploring opportunities for new locations or acquisitions. ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – Exploring opportunities” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text admin_label=”Investment opportunities – strategic planning” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201c(Strategic planning) usually\u00a0<\/span>takes backburner, second fiddle<\/span>,\u201d Robisch said. \u201c<\/span>It\u2019s never\u202fin the forefront of people\u2019s planning, but it\u202fhas to\u202fbe. It may not feel as important as that new truck you need to buy, but it is. It\u202fhas to\u202fbe. It affects every part of the retail mix.<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u202f<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Home is” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Home improvement is where the heart\u00a0<\/span>is<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Harvard University\u2019s Joint Center for Housing Studies<\/span>\u00a0issued its\u00a0<\/span>Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity<\/span><\/a>\u00a0(LIRA)<\/span>\u00a0in January. It offers a short-term outlook on home improvement and\u00a0<\/span>repair in owner-occupied homes.\u00a0<\/span>It predicts continued growth to $352 billion this year, a\u00a0<\/span>3.8% increase over 2020.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe remodeling market continues to benefit from a strong housing market\u2014including accelerating growth in homebuilding, sales, and home equity,\u201d Chris Herbert, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies<\/span>, said in a recent report<\/span>. \u201cIn addition to routine replacement and repair projects, homeowners are likely to pursue more and larger discretionary home improvements this year as the broader economy recovers.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Remodelers say investment in\u00a0<\/span>kitchens and baths is where homeowners will see the greatest return on investment. But\u00a0<\/span>the pandemic has changed some of that, too.<\/span>\u00a0Home Advisor\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>State of Home Spending<\/span><\/a>\u00a0says i<\/span>nvestment in home service spending\u00a0<\/span>rose to $13,138 in 2020, up more than $4,000 from the previous year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The focus of th<\/span>ose<\/span>\u00a0spending<\/span>\u00a0increases<\/span>:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”27% more on outdoor living needs ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – outdoor living” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”40% on home entertainment ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – home entertainment” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”50% on home offices ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – home offices” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_duration=”750ms” animation_delay=”1000ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”70% on home cooking ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – home cooking” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_duration=”750ms” animation_delay=”1000ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text admin_label=”Where did?” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Where did the money for\u00a0<\/span><\/span>these improvement<\/span><\/span>s<\/span><\/span>\u00a0come from?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb title=”33% shifted from the commuting budget ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – commuting budget” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”48% came from vacations that were cancelled ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – vacations cancelled” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”52% were shifted from outside entertainment such as restaurants, theaters and events ” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#cc6633″ icon_placement=”left” admin_label=”Blurb – entertainment cancelled” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_delay=”750ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text admin_label=”Multiplier effect” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

The multiplier\u00a0<\/span><\/span>e<\/span><\/span>ffect<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Robisch says the increase in spending on home improvement has been enhanced by people\u00a0<\/span>fleeing\u00a0<\/span>America<\/span>n<\/span>\u00a0cities.\u00a0<\/span>The pandemic has sent many workers home for the foreseeable future. Schools shuttered and turned to remote learning.\u00a0<\/span>Civil unrest has caused urbanites to feel unsafe in their homes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All that\u00a0<\/span>plus historically low interest rates have\u00a0<\/span>buoyed the real estate markets in rural areas.\u00a0<\/span>The sale of existing homes reached its highest level in 13 years.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Robisch\u00a0<\/span>calls it a perfect store for\u00a0<\/span>home improvement\u00a0<\/span>businesses.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>What do people do when they move? They fix up the house to sell it. They move and fix up the new house to fit their needs, and the buyers who purchase their\u00a0<\/span>old home, fix that up to fit their needs, he explains.<\/span>\u00a0It a multiplier effect that sends home improvement industry businesses repeat customers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”So What” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

So\u00a0<\/span><\/span>What Now?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Retail 101:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Focus on\u00a0<\/span><\/span>selling\u00a0<\/span><\/span>what\u00a0<\/span><\/span>people are buying.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>With more people working, learning, and playing at home, homeowners are fixing up their homes.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>One survey showed that more than 70% of Americans began home improvement projects after the initial pandemic quarantine.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Pet projects” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

\"APet projects<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>Washington Post\u00a0<\/span><\/i>reports that Shelter Animals Count \u2013 an organization that tracks pet rescue and adoption data \u2013 says there were 26,<\/span>000 more pet adoptions in 2020, a 15% increase over the previous year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n