Running an 8,000 sq ft independent hardware store — request for playbook, templates, and local vendor leads

I’m compiling an end-to-end, practical playbook for an 8,000 sq ft independent hardware store and need first-hand operator input. If you run or have run a similar store, please share what worked (and what didn’t). Prefer concrete artifacts and numbers over theory. Useful contributions include (attach spreadsheets, SOPs, photos, POS exports where possible):

- Operational SOPs & checklists: opening/closing, receiving, returns, seasonal changeovers, vendor receiving workflows.
- Inventory rules: par levels by category (examples), ABC classification, cycle-count schedule (daily/weekly/monthly by class), replenishment triggers (min/max, reorder points, lead-time buffers, EOQ examples), target turns and days of inventory.
- POS & reporting setup: recommended reports (margin by SKU/vendor, stock aging, shrink report, dead stock), POS config tips (vendor codes, cost layers, bundle/KIT setup), sample dashboard KPIs and report cadences.
- Staffing & training: role descriptions, sample weekly rosters for an 8,000 sq ft footprint, shift templates, onboarding/training checklists, labor % targets and productivity benchmarks.
- Floorplan & merchandising: shelf layouts, planograms or photos, category adjacencies, endcap strategies, signage and aisle numbering, seasonal swap plans.
- Supplier negotiation & sourcing: typical payment terms to ask for, target lead times per category, dropship options, freight/return policies, negotiation scripts or clauses you use, and local/regional vendor contacts (city/region important).
- Marketing & local customer acquisition: effective tactics for contractors and DIY customers (events, classes, loyalty programs, Google Local, direct mail), sample promo calendars and budget allocation.
- Finance & bookkeeping: simple cashflow / P&L templates, margin targets by category, inventory turnover goals, shrink and EBITDA targets, recommended accounting cadence.
- Loss prevention: shrink-reduction tactics (store layout, cameras, EAS, bin locks, high-value item handling), typical shrink % targets and where shrink happens most.
- Concrete KPIs: target gross margin, margin per sq ft, inventory turns, average transaction, transactions/day, shrink %, labor % of sales — please include the actual numbers you achieved or aimed for.

When you post, please label your contribution with: role (owner/manager/buyer/merchandiser), region, store size, and years’ experience. Short bullet points plus 1–3 attachments (sheet, SOP, photo) are easiest to use. I’m looking specifically for operator-sourced examples and templates — please avoid sales pitches. Thanks — looking forward to real-world playbooks and vendor leads.