August 2011

HDA Logo
A Division of the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA)

HockeyVoice                                  
Newsletter

Mainstreet Fairness Act Introduced in Congress  

Recently,  the Mainstreet Fairness Act, a bill that would require Internet retailers to collect and remit sales taxes, was introduced simultaneously in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 5660) and U.S. Senate (S. 1452). The bill levels the playing field for brick & mortar retailers, and interestingly, according to this story, has the support of a company you might not expect - Amazon.com. 

 

NSGA and HDA have written to our local Congressmen and Senators, and we encourage you to write your legislators to let
them know you are on board to support the bill. Find their contact information here (Senate and House). 

Little Hiring Being Done by Small Business

In July 2011, according to a Harris Interactive Survey, 64% of small-business executives indicated that they were not expecting to add to their payrolls in the next year, and 12% said they were cutting jobs. More than half of the participants in the survey, contracted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, indicated uncertainty in the economy as the reason for not hiring. One third blamed lack of sales, while just 7% blamed difficulty in obtaining credit. 

How Do You Measure Your Store's Performance?

The Hockey Dealers Association just completed its first in-depth survey of members.  Specific focus was placed on determining which metrics are most popular in measuring store performance. 

Here are the results:

Metrics

In addition, HDA recently did some research with members relating to personnel issues, and employee education was the respondents' main issue. In a short follow up, 60% of respondents said educating employees with better product knowledge was important. HDA will work to help fill this need and appreciates all of the responses to both of the recent surveys. 

Not-So Big Boxes

Many big box retailers are starting to adjust their strategies for growing sales. Up until now, it was thought that the larger the selection of product, the greater the store traffic and resulting sales. These large product selections required multi-thousand square foot stores. 

 

But sales per square foot have been decreasing.  Recent research has shown that too much selection results in analysis paralysis by the customer. As a result, the smaller mid-size boxes are slowly starting to replace big boxes. Even the big box retailers handcuffed with long leases are responding by sub-leasing space within their stores. Check out the NSGA website for some specific examples.

 

We think all of this means retailers need to think about potentially losing sales by providing too many alternatives in stores.  What do you think? Check out the HDA LinkedIn Group and make your voice heard on this important topic.

Network with Fellow HDA Members

Networking among dealers continues to be a benefit that we hear members want.  HDA has recently moved its networking site to LinkedIn, giving members unlimited access.  Non-members may use it for 30 days. If you are not a member of LinkedIn, you must first go through the quick application process with them by visiting www.linkedin.com. 

Most Popular Hockey Equipment  

Searches on Ebay 

(August 1, 2011)  

ebay august

Help Us Help You!

The Hockey Dealers Association, a division of the National Sporting Goods Association, was formed to help hockey dealers succeed and to help grow participation in the sport. Join your fellow hockey dealers by becoming a member of HDA and help us build the resources to move the sport of hockey to the next level. Visit www.hockeydealersassociation.org or call us at 800.815.5422, ext. 130. 

  

Sincerely,

 

Dan Signature                                            Chuck Signature

Dan Kasen                                               Chuck Suritz
[email protected]                                     [email protected]                          

In This Issue
Mainstreet Fairness Act Introduced in Congress
Little Hiring Being Done by Small Business
How Do You Measure Your Store's Performance?
Not-So Big Boxes
Network with Fellow HDA Members
Most Popular Hockey Equipment Searches on Ebay
Help Us Help You!

  

Not an HDA Member Yet? 

 

 

The Hockey Dealers Associaton is entering its second year. The support of the members strengthens the sport and the industry. In addition, a platform has been created to allow hockey dealers and manufacturers to address issues.

Dealers and manufacturers are encouraged to join the fast growing membership base. Benefits have been created for both groups. Click here for more information or call 800-815-5422 x130.


 

HDA Welcomes Its

Newest Members

 

Patrick Cox,

Gibsonia,PA

 

Pure Hockey 

 

 

 
San Antonio 
 
SAVE THE DATE

 


48th Annual 

National Sporting
Goods Association
Management
Conference
 &
14th Annual Team Dealer Summit 

  

May 6 - 9, 2012

Contact Us 

c/o NSGA

1601 Feehanville Drive Suite 300

Mt. Prospect, IL 60056

Phone:800.815.5422 ext. 130

 

 


Quick Links