From Handy BBQ to Store Fixtures

By Steve Di Orio
Posted in Store Fixtures
On January 08, 2024

Welcome to Handy Store Fixture's blog! For our first post, we want to share with you a little piece of history behind the birth of Handy Store Fixtures. This story can be considered a classic lesson for any retail business: You must understand your customer’s needs.

The Handy Grill

In the 40's and 50's, Handy was a division of a successful regional hardware wholesale business. It was also the brand behind the small portable, fold-up barbecue grill included in the large line of products manufactured under the HANDY label.

It was during this time period when mass marketing, which allows brands to reach a wider audience, began to pick up pace following the Great Depression. As a result, more brands needed store fixtures and shelving products to display merchandise.

Handy Store Fixtures

The need for metal gondola shelving quickly became greater than the need for barbecues. Noticing this growing market, Handy made a smart business change and began to sell store fixtures and accessories. Handy decided to keep it's brand name because like the barbecue grill, the term 'handy' perfectly describes its store fixtures and shelving products, which are durable and practical for any store needs. Thus, Handy Store Fixtures was born.

The last Handy grill came off the production line in 1959. Ever since, our Handy-brand gondola shelving, which is the standard shelving system of the retail world, has been the backbone of Handy Store Fixtures. 

 

Steve Di Orio

Steve Di Orio

 

Steve has been with Handy Store Fixtures for over 15 years. After becoming the Marketing Manager in 2006, he was named Director of Marketing. Steven earned his MBA from Montclair State University with a specialization in Digital Marketing in 2019. When not at work, he loves to travel, play golf, exercise, and talk all things search engine marketing and retail display tips.