RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2014
56
W
e always have great attendance in Nashville, but this year
we set records, with more dealers attending than ever
before," stated Rick Bellows, president of MEGA Group
USA. The convention was held at the brand new Music City Center—a
two million square foot convention center. Members enjoyed first-class
accommodations at the new Omni Center deluxe hotel, with the
backdrop of Nashville's exciting entertainment district.
"I've been a MEGA member for ten years," said Roger Pickett,
president of Murmaid Corporation (mattress retailer). "This is the first
time I've participated in all of the different presentations. They're certainly
worth the while, and I'll be doing it again next year."
Among the special highlights at the convention was Mattress
University. "We covered sales training, digital marketing, retail operations,
and best practices relating to the mattress industry," said Jerry Honea,
executive VP of MEGA Group USA. "With the mattress industry
changing in recent years, it's important that dealers understand how
best to reach their customers."
According to Missy Hodges, VP Appliances & Outdoor products,
"Our appliance partners showed up ready to provide MEGA Members
great deals on fall merchandise specials, but more than that, a
tremendous amount of much needed information and sales training
about their product to insure profitable sell-through."
"MEGA Performance Groups meetings are a continuing success,"
said Mallory Parker, VP-Member Business Services. "These are meetings
made up of like-minded business people who share best practices in
marketing, operations and revenue and profit building opportunities.
Many new business services vendors were added this year as well."
Seminars focused on a variety of topics including "Millennials and
Retail", a presentation that keyed in on the impact millennials will have on
the retail industry in the years to come. "We all need to connect with and
"