Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2021 60 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S A s low interest rates persist and continue to drive record movement in the housing market, retailers continue to feel the impact reverberate throughout their businesses. Demand has remained strong in the appliances and consumer electronics categories for more than a year – and there appears to be no sign of slowing down. That's excellent news for Nationwide Marketing Group's network of retailers. But sustained high demand does have its challenges. Namely, retailers must navigate how to deliver and install all that product for their customers, while also dealing with labor issues. But that's exactly where a new partnership between Nationwide and Installation Nation can fill a critical gap. "As any independent retailer will tell you, delivery and installation services have the potential to eat up a ton of time and money, especially when consumer demand is so high and the labor market is as tight as it is," says Derek Mattila, vice president of business development for Nationwide. "Our partnership with Installation Nation will provide a critical supplemental service to our members when they are running tight, allowing them to keep delivery and installations going without missing a beat." Unveiled at PrimeTime in August, the program with Installation Nation gives Nationwide members access to a supplemental white glove delivery and installation service. Installation Nation's network of 1,100 qualified, licensed and certified technicians cover nearly 80% of the U.S. population and have performed more than 3.5 million installations. Their technicians will specialize in delivery and installation services for home appliances and consumer electronics. Each delivery and installation is handled by Installation Nation on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no minimum submission requirements to use the service, and retailers can tap into the program as needed. When delivery services are needed, Nationwide members simply log into a customized web-based portal that allows them to pick and choose the specific services the customer requires. From there, the retailer can schedule the delivery for the customer based on live availability and submit payment via their company credit card into the portal. Services through Installation Nation are priced competitively within the market and can vary depending on the product and level of service required. The day prior to the scheduled delivery date, the customer is contacted to confirm delivery details. On the day of the installation the customer will receive more precise arrival-time details. After delivery and installation are complete, the customer will receive a call to confirm their satisfaction with the process, and results are then shared with the dealer for feedback. "I am excited for the opportunity to partner with Nationwide Marketing Group by bringing a solution that I feel will help its members with their delivery and installation needs," says Jacob Anderson, president and CEO of Installation Nation. "2020 and 2021 have shown tremendous growth in the appliance and consumer electronics spaces, and having a company like Installation Nation to add flexibility with getting deliveries and installations done in a timely manner will help provide a great customer experience." For more information, contact Derek Mattila at derek.mattila@nationwidegroup.org. NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP PARTNERS WITH INSTALLATION NATION TO ADDRESS DELIVERY DEMAND, LABOR CHALLENGES FOR RETAILERS With Installation Nation, Nationwide members have access to a supplemental white glove delivery service that can install appliances, smart home technology and more to their customers. Rob Stott is corporate communications manager for Nationwide Marketing Group RO

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