Kansas-based distributor Blish-Mize Co. is the most recent organization in the hardware industry to cancel its buying market in hopes of helping stem the spread of COVID-19.

Blish-Mize sent out a letter to customers and vendors on March 11 informing them that they would be shifting the live Spring Buying Market, which was scheduled to run March 19-21, to a virtual online market.

This virtual event will allow retailers to connect with vendors online and take advantage of market pricing, special buys and programs, according to the company’s statement. This virtual market will begin on March 19 and run through March 31.

In his letter, company president and CEO Jonathan Mize says, “We understand that you, like us, run a small business and that business depends on your ability to attend events like these. We hope this modification will allow you to stay safe and healthy in your store and still take advantage of the opportunity to better your business.”

The Blish-Mize decision to forgo its live show in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic , follows in the footsteps of other industry events being postponed or canceled such as the Ace Hardware Convention, International Housewares Show and the International Hardware Fair.