RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2014
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B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S
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ationwide Marketing Group wants to encourage and
support the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders
that take the appliance, electronics, and furniture indus-
tries into the future.
Two years ago, the group began a new program, NeXt Gen, a
program that brings these future leaders together and facilitates
discussion, learning and networking with top-level industry
executives and other resources that better prepare them for the
future. NeXt Gen now holds a roster of over 250 younger retailers
and vendors.
The group gets together for networking receptions at every
PrimeTime! trade show and is invited to attend sessions and
educational pieces geared towards business practices they might
be able to implement in their business, like mobile website design,
social media, or the installment of Info-pads. The network events
allow the younger generation of retailers to come together and
discuss what's working in their business, network with vendors to
grow those relationships, and meet with some of the young drivers
of initiatives they can relate to.
Nationwide designs some of their educational courses to prepare
not only the younger retailers to take over, but enable the older
family members to embrace change, particularly by letting the
younger folks within the business practice more technologically
focused initiatives and drive more awareness of the business online,
in social media, etc.
The group is excited to see how NeXt Gen continues to evolve,
ensuring succession planning is in place and their members can
continue to own their marketplace.
NATIONWIDE'S NEXT GEN INITIATIVE
CONTINUES TO EXPAND
