Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2017 52 M EGA Group USA hosted its 34th member convention August 12-15 th in Nashville, TN. Not only did the Nashville location draw record attendance – with 410 businesses from across the country represented and more than 1,450 total attendees – but it remains a favorite destination. The theme of the event centered around "Tell Your Story" and was purposely picked to encourage dealers to think about more than lowest price messaging, and to better verbalize what they do that's different, and how to connect more personally with customers and employees. It also gave independent retailers a chance to reflect on the reasons why their store has survived in the ever-changing, sometimes turbulent retail landscape. Kicking off this idea was comedian and motivational speaker Kelly Swanson who engaged the group with the tale of Cash and Man Bun. The quirky story was light-hearted and fun, but centered on the idea that "you can always do one better" when taking care of customers. The day then broke into a series of breakouts, workshops and new product introductions. One of the highlights for many was the chance to hear from their fellow retailers in Mattress U panel sessions and Furniture and Appliance roundtables. Being able to share challenges, successes and tips was one of the most remarked upon "wins" of the training day. Following a full day of training, MEGA introduced the group to Andrew Davis who led a highly energetic keynote on the customer experience and how to win with customers today. If retailers for the most part all look the same to the average consumer, those that win are the ones who stop telling customers they are different and start showing them how they are. He cemented the point for the retailers present with his example of how building demolitions became more experiential and therefore, created a lasting impression. As Davis wrapped up, retailers crowded into the ballroom to see what new deals were to be announced for MEGA Madness, a one hour buying frenzy held before the buy show kicks off. Retailers took advantage of hot deals from 44 vendors and the event initiated enthusiasm for the buying show which started early on Monday morning. Monday and Tuesday were centered around the buying show, where more than 90 vendors exhibited at the Music City Convention Center, introducing hot buys and new products to the retailers who were present. Among those on the floor were a great selection of furniture, accessories, appliance, electronics, mattress, business services and marketing vendors. MEGA also had 21 new vendors showing for the first time including Simply Amish, Steve Silver Co., Restonic, Dr. Greene's Ideal Mattress, Zen Hot Tubs, Almost Heaven Saunas, The Retail Doorman and many others. Giveaways were a highlight Monday afternoon, keeping members on the show floor till closing time. Many retailers took home Yeti coolers, Apple watches, Visa gift cards, and other generous items. There were four big winners at the show — Brian Slutts of Appliances Unlimited, Sharon Kinney of Derby Mattress Shoppe and Richard Allen of Allen's Furniture who all won amazing vacation packages from Serta Simmons Bedding and Larry Harlen of Larry's Rockport Trading Center who won $25,000 (wholesale cost) of Whirlpool merchandise. MEGA Marketing also introduced its Guide to Navigating the Digital World to attendees. "We wrote this Guide to help our retailer network understand the complex world of digital advertising in a more tangible, real-life way," said Amanda Evans, MEGA's director of marketing. "The Guide helps to educate on the 'why' and 'how', but in a very relatable way for retailers in our categories. Plus, the fact of the matter is that digital is complicated, but retailers can win customers in a big way through digital advertising. Our goal at MEGA is to help them navigate this advertising medium more effectively." Overall, the response from retailers was extremely positive, and many pre-registered for the Spring 2018 MEGA Group Show in Atlanta, GA on March 11-14 th . "We spend many months planning these events and looking for ways to engage our membership and helping them overcome the challenges facing independent retailers today," said Rick Bellows, president of MEGA Group USA. "As we wrapped up this Show, we heard so many great comments from our retailers and vendor partners about how special this Show was. At the end of the day, not only do we help retailers buy better, but we help them build their own brands to reach more people locally." B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S MEGA GROUP SHOW IN NASHVILLE EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED RO

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