Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JUNE 2015 72 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S UPDATE ON NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP'S NEW EXCHANGE PROGRAM The record number of attendees who came to the March PrimeTime! show in Dallas not only saw great new products and opportunities from Nationwide's vendor partners, but were also introduced to several new dealer focused initiatives. Dem- onstrating the group's continuous efforts to provide resources for their growing and diverse roster of retailers, the group launched a big game changer… the eXchange. What is it? The eXchange is Nationwide's exclusive distributor marketplace. In this marketplace, retailers will see many SKU's and brands that their local or National Distributor may not offer and the group's independents now get to see competing prices for those products from multiple distribution sources. The eXchange is not only a one-stop shop for many of the brands Nationwide's retailers buy today, but is also the place to go to when they are thinking about expanding or changing their assortment/product mix. The eXchange booth, which premiered at this show, was a showcase for all of the eXchange distribution partners and was one of the most highly visited locations in the exhibit hall. Nearly 300 demonstrations of the new site and program were given during the two days, with overwhelmingly positive member feedback. The eXchange team has added even more brands since the show based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from members, bumping the brand roster closer to 200 of the industry's best. Through these vendors, Nationwide's 3,800+ members are able to take advantage of the over 4,000 bestselling SKUs offered through the program. The eXchange team also has begun working with the 8th and 9th distributors that will join the program. The anticipated date of these program additions is the end of summer in 2015. Senior VP Distribution & Logistics, Dean Sottile says, "The daily user count on the site continues to grow and we are working closely with our distribution partners to bring more exclusive opportunities to drive even more traffic. It was very gratifying to hear from our independents about how much of a game changer this program is going to be for their business model. We have a long term vision for the eXchange and we intend to grow this initiative in even bigger ways." Nationwide Marketing Group works beside thousands of appliance, furniture, electronics, specialty electronics, custom installation and rent to own dealers helping them grow their businesses and their bottom lines. With over 3,800 members operating more than 11,000 store fronts and $15 billion in combined annual sales, Nationwide is North America's largest buying and marketing organization. Industry veterans, heading Nationwide's seven regional divisions, work to provide independent dealers with personalized service and local programming in every market they serve. More information is available at www.nationwidegroup.org. NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP TEAMS UP WITH SRS Nationwide Marketing Group just recently announced a new partnership with a vendor, effective just before their Dallas PrimeTime! show. Specialized Retail Services (SRS) designs, produces, installs, and services retail environments and interac- tive displays. SRS is a turnkey firm that offers creative solu- tions for today's ever changing MAJAP and CE markets. Their business model is based on their ability to handle every phase of a client's project from conception to final completion. What does this mean for Nationwide members? Whether the group's 3,800+ retailers are designing a new store from scratch, remodeling, or adding a new vendor to their floor, SRS specializes in advising the retailer on store layout and best merchandising practices. Nationwide members will have the opportunity to receive free initial consultations and special pricing packages from SRS. The group's continuously growing roster of vendor partners creates many resources for independents to take a hold of available share and succeed in their marketplace. RO

• Cover