Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MAY 2017 54 NATIONWIDE ANNOUNCES NEW GROUP PROGRAM WITH NEST Nationwide Marketing Group announced an industry-first independent channel Nationwide program with Nest Labs, architect of the thoughtful home that launched at the group's New Orleans PrimeTime show in March. The new program with Nest has generated a great deal of excitement, leading Nationwide's EVP of Consumer Electronics, Tom Hickman, to state, "This partnership represents the clearest path to success in what has been a confusing channel, but one that also holds a great deal of growth and promise. The easy access to Nest and Works With Nest products through thousands of Nationwide retailers provides more consumers a fully assisted, professional integration experience, making the purchase and installation process user friendly and seamless." The partnership provides access to Nest and Works With Nest products to the over 3,000 independent retailers that make up the Nationwide Marketing Group. Nationwide's exclusive eXchange distributor marketplace, a first-of-its-kind CE purchasing portal, eases the process of integrating thousands of new dealers, virtually at once. "When it comes to emerging technologies and categories like the connected home, distribution will always play a key role in servicing independent dealers," said Dean Sottile, SVP of distribution for Nationwide. "Nationwide's eXchange relationships will provide easy and quick access to both the Nest and Works with Nest products, as well as the training and information front line teams need to deliver best-in-class experiences to consumers." Nest distributors Audio America, AVAD, Capitol Sales and Volutone will force-multiply the assets that Nationwide has in place, and will help Nationwide members create the best buying experience for Nest products. Each distributor will carry the entire Works with Nest product suite, giving Nationwide members one-stop shopping with any eXchange partner. Further, each distributor is positioned to provide unmatched service and support to Nationwide members, as well as the just-in-time inventory needed to succeed in this emerging category. "Nationwide and its members are experts in selling and installing high-end equipment," said Gene LaNois, head of professional channel for Nest. "We're excited that Nationwide members will be offering their customers Nest and Works with Nest products – thoughtful products that solve real pain points in the home while providing more security, safety and comfort." Nationwide understands that dealers will need more than just access to Nest products – they'll need advanced training resources, high-impact television spots, engaging web videos, informative digital signage assets and more. Nationwide's PrimeMedia studios will provide these materials and is collaborating with Nest to put these resources in place. The effectiveness of this program, supported by these quality media assets, will further enhance Nationwide's 2016 turn-key Connected Home Kiosk initiative through enhanced multi-media demonstration capabilities. Nest products will be featured prominently in Nationwide's eXchange, and in the Connected Home Kiosk for 2017. This program and these initiatives make it clear that the Connected Home has a NEW home, with Nationwide. LENDPRO PARTNERS WITH NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP LendPro and Nationwide Marketing Group are excited to announce a new partnership that will provide Nationwide members a portfolio of great lenders in an unparalleled self-service platform. LendPro's platform provides Nationwide members a convenient way to offer prime, near-prime and sub-prime credit options to their customers in a fast, easy, private and secure application process. Customers have the option to cascade through financing options until approved, or directly select the option of their choice. If the applicant is declined by a prime lender, they are quickly invited to continue with a secondary option without having to re-enter their core data. Consumers can access the LendPro platform via floor standing kiosks, countered kiosks, the merchants own computer/device, or even the consumer's own smartphone. "Nationwide is very excited for the opportunities our members will have when partnering with LendPro. LendPro's cascading solution will integrate wonderfully with Nationwide's 3,700+ Answers Info-tablets already in the field as well as offer a low-cost entry for those looking to add. Adding a cascading platform will be a rewarding move for Nationwide members looking to increase consumer applications and pairing that consumer with the best fit for that consumer's financial status," Chris Kirk, member & financial services stated. "We are thrilled with the opportunity to help Nationwide members simplify the complexity of offering multiple lenders and increase revenue through more approvals and higher tickets," said Fred Knops, CEO at LendPro. "Our success is built upon a consultative relationship with our client base, creating platforms and services based on the unique needs of each business." LendPro has spent years innovating its platform with industry leading lender partners and includes in its platform Nationwide lender partners, Wells Fargo, Fortiva, and Acceptance Now. Retailers across all 50 states have testified to the power of LendPro at www.mylendpro.com. B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO

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