Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2019 58 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP LAUNCHES NEW OUTDOOR LIVING PROGRAM WITH TYTUS GRILLS More than 40 dealers signed up to sell TYTUS grills during the company's debut appearance at PrimeTime in August Nationwide Marketing Group announced today its new partnership with TYTUS Grills, a recent entry in the outdoor living space where grills can be assembled in less than five minutes without tools or additional parts. The company first showcased its new product line to Nationwide members at last month's PrimeTime conference in New Orleans. "Nationwide Marketing Group is in the middle of a five-year initiative to grow the outdoor living business, and TYTUS is a valuable part of that strategy," says John Laing, Nationwide's director of appliances and outdoor. "PrimeTime provided the perfect opportunity for TYTUS to introduce their products to the marketplace. Hundreds of our members stopped by to see the assembly demonstration and explore the products' quality, fit and finish, and more than 40 signed up to sell the brand at the show. It was a great debut for TYTUS, and we look forward to a successful 2020 and beyond." Michael O'Shaughnessy, CEO and founder of O'Shaughnessy Holding Company, the parent company of TYTUS Grills, says TYTUS experienced such great success at PrimeTime due, in large part, to the beauty and simplicity of the grills themselves. "TYTUS recognized that one of the most frustrating aspects of purchasing a new grill is the assembly process," O'Shaughnessy explains. "Most other grills take 45 minutes or more to assemble. After years of research, design, and patenting, TYTUS has developed a beautiful grill that can be assembled in less than 5 minutes with NO tools and NO parts. However, ease of assembly is only the beginning – TYTUS grills have a thoughtfully designed range of high-end finish options and modular configurations. TYTUS allows everyone to create a beautiful and affordable outdoor kitchen." TYTUS currently offers three 4-burner gas grills and two 4-burner gas grill islands, with finishes that include stainless steel, black stainless steel, wood accents, and stone accents. Each product comes standard with heavy-gauge 302 stainless steel grates, 48,000 BTUs of cooking power, double-walled hoods for better heat retention, and a 10-year parts-and-service warranty. "Best of all, our grills are designed to look like custom outdoor kitchens, which can cost thousands of dollars for just the installation," O'Shaughnessy adds. "With our easy assembly, modular add-ons, beauty, and mobility, TYTUS grills will turn your deck or patio into the most popular room of the house." GENE CROCKETT RETIRES FROM NATIONWIDE WEST Following a successful career with Whirlpool Corp- oration and in retail, Gene Crockett began a new career with Nationwide West at the end of 2005, rather than retire like so many others. As Gene has often said, he "enjoys the thrill of the hunt." Gene became Nationwide West's "Field Support Specialist" and shortly thereafter became "Director of Member Services." Gene has been instrumental in growing the Nationwide West membership. Between 2006 and 2017, Gene and his field team drove up the membership by 135% . Most important, Gene has helped his members achieve higher levels of success and compete prosperously with their larger competitors. Gene's in-depth knowledge of successful retailing has been a special benefit to the members he has served with unfailing dedication. Nationwide West is very grateful to Gene for his friendship and his devotion to his members and to the Nationwide Marketing Group. Please join us in wishing Gene a wonderful retirement. RO

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