Collectively, our group members experienced double digit growth in unit sales for flat panels last year.
Mike Decker, Vice President of Marketing, Electronics, Nationwide Marketing Group

Mike Decker, Nationwide’s vice president of marketing –electronics stated that, “collectively, our group members experienced double digit growth in unit sales for flat panels last year.

During their recent convention (see story), Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG), parent company of RentDirect Nationwide, reported that group members continue to find new ways to gain market share despite the many challenges found by big box retailers in the major appliance, consumer electronics and furniture industries.

Larger than all competing groups combined, NMG has approximately 2,800 members throughout the United States –independent dealers with more than 7,500 storefronts and a combined $11 billion in annual sales. 

Although early reports showed some 3,500 individuals set to attend; the buying and marketing group disclosed that additional on-site registrations pushed the final attendance figure to 3,700. Nationwide cited that an increase in membership, the addition of new vendors, and over 50 prospective members at the show, contributed to this spike in attendance.

The buying group’s merchandising and marketing team focused many discussions during their summer PrimeTime! convention on the importance of ‘selling the experience’ to the end consumer and offered dealers fresh insight and opportunities to do so during their four-day event.

Mike Decker, Nationwide’s vice president of marketing –electronics stated that, “collectively, our group members experienced double digit growth in unit sales for flat panels last year. We need to couple that growth with improved attachment selling in order to continue our momentum in the consumer electronics sector.”

Adam Thomas, Nationwide’s vice president of marketing –appliances.

“High margin attachment sales are critical for consumer electronics dealers, and there has never been a better opportunity to sell the complete solution on your show floor.”

Decker explained that the addition of new brands like LG Electronics, OmniMount, Onkyo, and TechCraft to the group’s Warehouse Direct fulfillment program will make what he calls “solution selling” easier for dealer members.

Nationwide’s vice president of marketing –appliances, Adam Thomas, had similar sentiments regarding the appliance industry. “Just like our consumer electronics business, we continue to gain share in the appliance market. While reports show that the appliance industry is down roughly five percent, we’re pleased to announce that Nationwide Members are still ahead.”

Thomas mentioned that challenges in the appliance market also brought more members to the event. He said, “We’re seeing more dealers come to PrimeTime not only for the deals, but also for insight into the months ahead.” Thomas emphasized that “dealers were just as involved in the educational side of the show as in the buying opportunities this PrimeTime!"

According to Thomas, Nationwide Members have stayed ahead this year by finding new ways for their customers to experience products in store, like through cooking classes and lifestyle displays. “Members are also taking advantage of our subsidized marketing and advertising campaigns more than ever before. We had a 25% increase in participation during the first quarter of this year.”

Bill Bazemore, director of FurnitureSmart.

Nationwide also announced during the show that they were expanding their proprietary furniture line, which is available to all group members through their FurnitureSmart division. The line includes bedding, home entertainment lift units and modular home entertainment products. “We’re delighted that, at last, we can provide our dealer members with a vehicle for differentiating themselves from the competition with some of the hottest selling products in the business,” said Bill Bazemore, director of FurnitureSmart.

In other news, Nationwide announced several new initiatives in the member services arena at their PrimeTime! convention. The group’s Nationwide Design Center, which offers custom store fixtures and displays, debuted new Appliance Merchandising Systems. Their logistics program, managed by Salem Logistics and known as MemberNet EZ Ship and Return, was redesigned and now includes a full line of shipping and warehousing services. Nationwide launched an all new, free video leadership learning system called OpTEAMization, which features ten, 10 to 15 minute modules offering a common sense approach to making the most of your team. Additional announcements included the launch of their new ImagiNationwide HD Network; the launch of their MemberNet Rebate Center; and the completion of their expanded PrimeMedia! Multi-Media Communications Center.

James MacAlpine, director of RentDirect Nationwide, commented that “At RentDirect Nationwide, our goal is to be the ultimate resource for independent rent-to-own dealers. We feel the addition of these great, new Member Service programs furthers our group’s goal and will only strengthen our Members’ business.  These services are available exclusively to RentDirect Nationwide members at little or no cost.”

RentDirect Executive Director James MacAlpine.

RentDirect Nationwide, the rent-to-own division under the Nationwide Marketing Group umbrella, represents more than 260 independent appliance, electronics, and furniture rental dealers throughout the country.

PrimeTime! by Nationwide, held twice each year, draws thousands of independent dealers, major manufacturers and service providers. PrimeTime! features nationally-known keynote speakers, provides educational seminars through PrimeTime! University, and allows dealers to receive exclusive savings and view the latest products with manufacturer representatives.

The next PrimeTime! by Nationwide convention will be held at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX, March 2-5, 2008. Registration for the winter convention will begin later this year. For more information, please visit www.nationwideprimetime.com or contact Nationwide Marketing Group at 336-722-4681.