Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2015 56 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S M EGA Group USA dealers returned home February 18th after attending their National Convention in San Antonio, Texas. "Attendance was strong considering some harsh weather that challenged travel for some members," stated MEGA Group president, Rick Bellows. "We appreciate the effort that all members make to come to our conventions. In return we work hard to insure their days here are rewarding with quality information, training, entertainment and of course great deals and specials from all of our supplier partners." "Our convention's first half features training and workshops for our dealers. For those members who sell mattresses, Mattress U is always successful," said Jerry Honea, EVP of the group. "We have industry leaders such as Rick Anderson (EVP TempurPedic/Sealy) speaking on brands and merchandising and fielding Q&A throughout the session." Every major appliance company hosted product training sessions. "These are quite valuable to our members and are always well attended," quoted Missy Hodges—VP Appliance & Outdoor seasonal products. MEGA's partner, Retailer Web Services hosted member-riveting sessions that shared extensive consumer survey results that they collected. Members were in some cases startled to learn about similarities between markets across the country and the cause-effects of dealer-posted prices on their websites. Whirlpool's Sam Abdelnour (VP Sales) even addressed the membership on the importance of Digital Marketing. The evening before the convention itself begins, members participate in MEGA Madness. A buying-frenzy type event that drew record crowds of members and vendors as well. During the convention GE and Whirlpool appliance companies both debuted new eye-popping showrooms. Live demonstrations of various products took place on the show floor. Constant drawings for prizes and such offered by supplier partners helped keep the atmosphere energetic and festive. New vendors were welcomed into the MEGA family including Jaipur, Classic Home, Jamison Bedding and Bramble Company in home furnishings. Outdoor seasonal featured newcomer Three Birds Casual. Dey Distributing (appliance parts) also enjoyed their first MEGA Group convention. "At C.E.S. this January the category of Home Automation was explosive," remarked Jim Sendrak (EVP Electronics & Marketing). "This is clearly the next-big-thing and for those members who embrace it, it could be the breath of fresh air that dealers have been waiting for in CE." MEGA Group hosted consultative sessions and reviewed plans relating to members entrance into the category. One of the cornerstones of MEGA's program is their Business Services division lead by EVP Mallory Parker. "One of our most compelling sessions for members was all about the Next Generation. We spoke with family members under the age of forty about the unique challenges they are facing as they prepare to take over the business. Our CIO, Scott McFarland (not quite 40) led this energetic meeting." MEGA Group's next national convention will take place August 13—16, 2015, in Louisville, Kentucky. For more information on MEGA Group USA, visit www.MEGAgroupusa.com. RO MEGA GROUP FEBRUARY 2015 NATIONAL CONVENTION

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