RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2014
6
THE RETAIL
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.unitedservicers.com
www.cedia.org
www.NKBA.org
www.asid.org
www.aham.org
www.brandsource.com
www.megagroupusa.com
www.ce.org
www.nahb.org
www.bkbg.com
www.dpha.net
Follow us on:
Join us at:
www.premierdph.com
www.psaworld.com
www.nationwidemarketinggroup.org
www.NARI.org
www.cantrex.com
www.NARDA.com
Become a Fan:
www.psoca.org
www.worldalliance-retail.org
www.apda.com
Moe's Musings Views
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com
Happy Retailing,
L
ast month was the time for Buying Group Shows, and the events
were awesome! Nationwide kicked off first in Vegas, followed by
BrandSource in Orlando and Mega in Dallas.
More than 2 million people were in Vegas during NMG's show —
thank goodness only 4,300 were at the event at the Sands Convention
Center. Their largest show to date. The tempo was upbeat and buying was
at a frenzied pace. Whirlpool unveiled their new line up of Maytag products
and a new Maytag vacuum line. Also, new to NMG were outdoor products
both in BBQ and furniture. Many manufacturers introduced new OLED
and 4k products along with all of the toys to help with installation and
integration. NMG also hinted on a headliner for their next show in Nashville,
but more to come on who that will be soon. In general, every vendor and
dealer I spoke with were very excited about this year and the changes in
the economy.
As usual, the BrandSource event in Orlando was no Mickey Mouse
affair. Outdoor Source has grown tremendously as well as HES, their
home integration and electronics division. Joe Higgins who recently retired
from Whirlpool gave a very well received Keynote (second year in a row)
reviewing his projections from last year which were spot on and his future
projections. I was very impressed. I am writing this before attending the
MEGA show but I expect it to be as equally exciting.
On a sad note, John Colbert who has led the charge for Crosley
Appliance and has been a good friend to many of us, passed away before
the first day of the BrandSource show, falling ill the day before the event.
He will be greatly missed by everyone he touched through his many years
of dedication and service in our industry.
BUYING SHOWS
BRING OPTIMISM
FOR A BRIGHT
FUTURE
