Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2019 24 Central to Nationwide's groundbreaking initiative are the company's relationships with other connected-home giants. Nationwide first partnered with Nest Labs and Google in 2017, offering its independent retailers exclusive access to Google Nest's line of thermostats, entertainments, security and home assistance devices. Nationwide then announced an exclusive partnership with AT&T in February 2019, giving its members the ability to sell home Internet, DIRECTV, and cellular phone service and devices direct to the consumer. Nationwide Connected Home will build on these unique partnerships to help the independent channel further differentiate itself from big-box retailers by delivering a coordinated product offering, world-class training and unparalleled customer service that's lacking at chain stores, Hickman said. "Connectivity is going to be the next battleground for premium retail," Hickman explains. "We are the only group positioned to connect all of these divergent pieces and create an unmatched in-store experience that benefits both our members and our vendor partners." Nationwide demonstrated this cutting-edge expertise by showcasing a connected home display at its last four PrimeTime trade shows, an experience that has created a solid foundation for future member merchandising efforts. "Many of today's mainstream connected home products have been focused on the early DIY adopters and DIY retail channels, but today's consumers want – and deserve – more guidance on how to make better use of all the smart products available in the marketplace," says Derek Mattila, vice president of merchandising for Nationwide Marketing Group, who will lead the company's connected home effort. Mattila adds: "The move to 5G will speed wireless connections, making device usage easier and spurring growth of the connected home movement. We're excited to help our members prepare now to create a best-in-class experience for their customers and capture a share of what promises to be a multi-billion-dollar industry." Visit www.nationwidegroup.org to learn more. SPEED QUEEN INTRODUCES NEW TOP LOAD WASHER MODEL WITH CLASSIC DESIGN Speed Queen's classic design top load washer will return to the brand's line-up this month. The TC5 model features a simple transmission-driven wash action. "Adding the TC5 to our product line-up gives consumers a greater variety of top load models to meet their laundry needs," said Jay McDonald, vice president of Speed Queen Home. "With its fast cycle times and a more aggressive wash action, the TC5 is a great complement to our popular TR range of top loads." The TC5 offers 3.2 cubic feet of capacity, six cycle selections and four temperature options. In addition, the classic 210- degree agitation stroke is powered by a commercial grade transmission and .5 horsepower, two-speed motor. Consumers also will appreciate the ultra-fast 28-minute cycle time. And no lid lock makes it fast and easy to add forgotten items at any point in the cycle. For decades, this classic style Speed Queen was immensely popular with consumers who wanted an extremely reliable top load that produced fast, clean results. "If you want basic wash options that deliver great washability in short cycle times, the TC5 is your washer." McDonald said, adding that the model isn't a fit for all buyers. "We increasingly spend more money on our clothes and want to take care of them to keep them looking good. That's where the gentler wash action and flexibility of the TR range is a better fit, while still offering the same level of clean and stain removal results." The TC5 comes with a three-year parts and in-home labor warranty. A matching dryer (DC5) is also offered and boasts the same strong three-year warranty. Please visit www.speedqueen.com to learn more about the new top load washer and other models. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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