Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2014 60 B randSource has doubled the number of its Expert Ware- house appliance distribution fulfillment centers from three to six facilities to provide members with faster delivery times and offer new opportunities for expanding in-store product portfolios. There are now six Expert Warehouse appliance locations: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey and Texas. According to David Meekings, president of Expert Warehouse, the expansion will help members keep in-store inventories more manageable by ensuring timely and damage free deliveries. "BrandSource members need a reliable and efficient fulfillment distribution solution," said Meekings. "By expanding the number of Expert Warehouse locations, we are now able to offer two-day delivery times to nearly 75 percent of the country." Expert Warehouse stocks and distributes a wide assortment of appliance brands, including LG and its Studio line; Samsung and its Chef Series; GE and its Hotpoint and Café lines; and Frigidaire and its Gallery and Electrolux lines. Whirlpool products are available at Expert Warehouse locations in the Northeastern U.S. Since adding LG appliances to its in-store line-up, Famous Tate Appliance and Bedding Centers in Tampa, FL has already seen an increase in sales. "The recent addition of the LG appliances at our local Expert Warehouse has been a huge factor in helping us grow our LG business," said Claude Ward, general manager, Famous Tate. "Expert Warehouse has welcomed our input in terms of logistics and delivery, and they've been a very committed partner." Dan DeRouin of Pioneer TV and Appliance said he relies on the Expert Warehouse team for weekly deliveries. "We can combine all of our appliance brands onto one truck, with weekly delivery," said Dan DeRouin, president of Pioneer TV and Appliance. "Expert Warehouse has allowed us to offer all the major brands with diversity in each category, and they've been very efficient in terms of delivery." According to Meekings, the Expert Warehouse expansion makes it an excellent option for members, especially as the holiday season approaches, and into 2015. "BrandSource District Managers are criss-crossing the country, visiting stores and consulting with members on which components of the program can best serve their needs. Integrating the Expert Warehouse assortment with the Brand- Source merchandising program and its vendors allows us to offer a complete solution—from program to promotion to ful- fillment. It's all designed to be integrated and seamless for the member." Meekings added that on the consumer electronics (CE) side, the Expert Warehouse is ramping up for the Q4 rush and stocking up for Black Friday and the holiday season. The current assortment includes TVs, audio products, speakers and receivers. Brands include Samsung, LG, Toshiba and Sharp for TVs and more than 15 audio brands including Bose, Polk and Denon. RO B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S BRANDSOURCE DOUBLES NUMBER OF EXPERT WAREHOUSE LOCATIONS Increase in distribution fulfillment centers allow for faster, more efficient delivery to member stores Tom Bennett of BrandSource and Jennifer Baldwin of Expert Warehouse visit Famous Tate Appliance and Bedding Center in Tampa, FL

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