Retail Observer

October 2014

The Retail Observer is an industry leading magazine for INDEPENDENT RETAILERS in Major Appliances, Consumer Electronics and Home Furnishings

Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/388735

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 34 of 67

Nationwide Marketing Group held their winter PrimeTime! conference at the Gaylord Opry-land in Nashville, TN, August 10-13, 2014. Co-CEOs Robert Weisner and Les Kirk confirmed the convention occupied over 235,000 square feet of exhibition space and some 4,000+ attendees, including over 915 members and 200+ vendor companies. The theme “Crank Up The Volume” encouraged retailers to crank up the Inventory; Marketing; and Service. The Nationwide team promised to continually arm their members retailers with all of the training tools offered from Nationwide to ensure they are thriving and succeeding in their marketplace. Nationwide was pleased to share their membership growth this year. Dave Bilas, president and COO of Nationwide, said the group has 3,700+ members representing more than 10,000 storefronts. When asked about the industry overall, Bilas said, “The economy remains on the rebound. We continue to anticipate normalcy when it comes to housing, and while this industry continues to rebound, we are still a ways away from a full recovery. Housing starts are finally turning upward, but it’s important to note that higher interest rates have slowed some of the recent progress. But, the overall trends are a good indication with regard to alignment of our growth population and expansion,” Jeff Knock, Nationwide’s executive vice president, reported that 2013 introduced some of the best programs and tools that Nationwide has ever created. “Regarding home appliances, overall, the industry is up about 4% with new housing starts driving the momentum (+15%). A continued focus on premium laundry and kitchen suites in the second half is the plan,” said Knock. He predicted the industry should end the year up between 4-5%. Knock said that furniture store sales “were up +2.2%, and that total consumption of furniture & bedding is +2.8% and bedding is +4%. Nationwide is running double digit increases in both furniture & bedding,” said Knock. When it comes to CE, Knock said, “We are beating the market in growth YTD (6%). Big part of this is due to our early lead in 4K and UHD. Our leadership position in technology is paying off as we are gaining in other areas including soundbar and wireless audio where we have been focusing this year so we are happy with our position. Our Merchandising and Marketing teams are working extremely hard to bring our members even more options.”

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Retail Observer - October 2014