JULY 2019 RETAILOBSERVER.COM
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iftieth anniversaries, whether they're birthdays or wedding anniversaries, represent a
significant milestone for individuals. But in today's rapidly evolving economy, 50 years
assumes an even greater resonance for businesses.
That's why BrandSource, the leading merchandising and marketing organization for independent
appliance, bedding, furniture and consumer electronics dealers, set aside time during its recent board
of directors meeting in Long Beach, CA, to commemorate the golden anniversary of its parent company,
AVB. Indeed, it was half a century ago this year that a handful of visionary retailers realized they could
be "better together," and over the course of a Southern California fishing trip formed the beginnings of
what would become the Associated Volume Buyers group, or AVB.
Over the ensuing 50 years, the nascent group evolved beyond the six founding members into a
national umbrella organization for a host of chapters, divisions, affiliates and strategic partners. These
include BrandSource; the tech- and custom-install focused ProSource; the rent-to-own TRIB Group;
Canada's Mega Group; and the recently created HFA Buying Source, serving home furnishings
dealers. The additions virtually doubled the size of the group to nearly 4,000 members within the last
three years.
Today, AVB's members truly are better together, and they're reaping the benefits of shared digital and
back-office services and a single voice with vendors that's backed by some $19.5 billion in combined
merchandising clout.
BrandSource is celebrating AVB's anniversary with a series of year-long observances at its Summit
and Convention buy fairs and its annual board meeting under the fitting banner of "Better Together." At
the directors' conclave, held this past spring, the commemoration took the form of fond remembrances
by members and staff, and, in a tribute to that formative 1969 fishing trip, a toast to the next 50 years by
BrandSource CEO Jim Ristow aboard a chartered boat.
Ristow, the onetime head of Home Entertainment Source (HES) – AVB's former consumer
electronics specialty division – and himself marking a quarter century with the group, noted that
"Independent dealers are the fabric of America," and that "Our job is to help our members live their
American dream."
To do so in the new digital economy, AVB is "acting like a 50-year-old startup," he said.
50
th
ANNIVERSARY
BRANDSOURCE BOARD MARKS
