Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2018 56 RO B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S A s part of our ongoing efforts to innovate and continue to provide the best technology in the industry, Nationwide Marketing Group, North America's largest buying and marketing group for independent retailers, has acquired leading web development and digital marketing agency and longtime partner Site on Time. The Georgia-based firm has served Nationwide's membership since 2011, and in that time, has added clients that include dealers of all sizes. The acquisition represents many exciting possibilities for members of Nationwide, as the group continues a long-standing commitment to provide leading-edge digital advantages to independent retailers throughout North America. Dean Sottile, who helps lead Nationwide's ecommerce and online initiatives, shared the excitement of the group. "Site on Time has been a great partner, and as we look to continually increase our investment in supporting our Member's digital efforts, we knew that the addition of Site on Time to the Nationwide family would represent an opportunity to make a significant impact in providing a great competitive advantage for our Members," said Dean. Jennifer Danko, Chief Technology Officer at Site on Time, shared her enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Our close relationship with Nationwide Marketing Group, and with the scores of Members we've had the pleasure of serving has been very rewarding. Our clients have simultaneously challenged and enabled us to innovate and grow. The decision to join the Nationwide family was a very natural and easy one for us. Integration into Nationwide will allow us to leverage the most advanced technology and will enable investment in the further development of both the website platform and digital marketing capabilities we put at the disposal of Nationwide Members today, and into the future." The increased investment in the offerings available to date has generated excitement for long-time Site on Time clients. The CEO of Big Sandy Superstores, a rapidly growing retailer with 17 stores in West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, Robert VanHoose, shared his thoughts, saying ""I'm excited to hear about Nationwide's investment in Site on Time. If I were building a digital team, Jennifer and the Site on Time team would be my top pick. They have a work ethic like no other, understand what our needs are, and have worked around the clock to get our website and digital marketing to the next level. With the Nationwide investment, I believe they now have the resources to take the websites and digital marketing of every member to a more advanced level and an even higher return on investment. I thank Nationwide for realizing the future is now, and giving us a competitive advantage by putting our website and digital marketing efforts on a path that will lead to great success." The enthusiasm was echoed by Joe Ochs, Vice President of Sales at Bray and Scarff. When learning of the investment, he replied, "Site on Time is the ideal web provider for independent retailers like us. Their service is world-class, and we appreciate their responsiveness, creativity, and affordable pricing. We've been a loyal customer since 2011, and I can't imagine trying to execute an ecommerce strategy without them. We're excited about the investment Nationwide is making, and can't wait to see what the Site on Time team is able to add to our digital arsenal as we go forward." Site on Time will continue to operate out of their Gainesville, Georgia office, where Nationwide will be investing to increase their capacity as well as adding new capabilities. With a shared perspective, Site on Time and Nationwide look to help members transform the consumer experience across all touchpoints, build customer loyalty and fuel profitable revenue growth for our retailers. "We understand the challenges associated with designing and managing a digital strategy for both large and small businesses. The time is now to focus on digital and we are ready to serve the membership," said Jennifer Danko. The entire leadership team at Nationwide is focused on performance and delivering measurable results that bring success to independent retailers. Independents who aren't already members and want to learn more about these results focused programs, can click here to explore joining the independent channel's leading buying, marketing, business services and digital group in North America where members are generating the greatest revenue and profit in the channel. Contact 336-722-4681 or info@nationwidegroup.org for more information. NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP ACQUIRES LEADING DIGITAL PARTNER: SITE ON TIME New investment to spawn impactful digital advantages for Nationwide members

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