RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2020
6
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com
Moe's Musings Views
Happy and Safe Retailing,
"We are optimistic that things will turn around soon, and that we will be back to normal
sooner then we think. We know it will take some time before everyone feels safe again,
but I think we are lucky to be in this industry. I believe we are in the right place, at the
right time for people to renovate, remodel, and reinvest in their sanctuary. We must
remain positive, and not lose sight that we have been here before, and that we are
resilient, and will come back stronger than ever." —Anonymous
A
s I sit in on Zoom meetings and talk with our various partners, I feel proud to say
I am a part of what's happening in the industries we cover. Every day I see more
and more associations, trade shows, vendors and buying groups coming
together to assist you – the independent retailers, designers, and contractors – in your
day-to-day businesses.
Nationwide and BrandSource Buying groups have created not only Covid resource
pages but programs to get your businesses back on track as well. Additionally, they
are offering assistance with signage, business loan processing, and website develop-
ment to get your E-commerce sites up and running. They are working diligently with
vendors and distributors to get you the products you need to keep your customers
buying from you. As I write this, reports to-date show businesses up in sales and volume
in various categories.
Many of our manufacturers are up and running, including our European and Asian
Partners. I have seen virtual CEU programs and web-based training direct from the
manufacturer or their vendor partners. NARI, ASID, AIA and the NKBA have conducted
studies and surveys, created webinars, and have set up sections on their sites to give you
industry related Covid news and tips to help you in your businesses.
Although many trade shows have been cancelled, many have set up virtual show
programs where you can buy and interact with their various vendor partners and speakers.
The shows that are still scheduled are setting up new markets that will feature new layouts
designed to enable social distancing, traffic controls, and virtual components.
Seeing everyone come together and helping each other at this time of uncertainty has
been amazing. We will keep an eye out on the Industry as things progress and will keep
bringing you the news and information as we have for 50 years. Again, thanks to all of our
partners for helping you, our readers, keep your businesses up and running.
I AM PROUD TO
BE A MEMBER
OF THIS INDUSTRY
We proudly support the following
trade associations and buying groups
throughout North America whose news
and information greatly contribute to the
quality of The Retail Observer and the
education of our readers.
www.asid.org
www.brandsource.com
www.cedia.org
www.dpha.net
www.feigroup.net
www.htsa.com
www.cta.tech
www.cantrex.com
www.unitedservicers.com
www.psoca.org
www.NKBA.org
www.necoalliance.com
www.psaworld.org
www.prosourceinfo.com
THE RETAIL
www.nahb.org
www.nrha.org
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Join us at:
Become a Fan:
www.NARI.org
www.nationwidegroup.org
www.aham.org
www.rtohq.org
