Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2020 58 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S ( C O N T I N U E D ) DSI that brought small-footprint AT&T displays (with zero inventory obligations) into our members' stores. For the first time, this group- exclusive program allowed independent retailers to begin selling wireless phone service and the latest smartphones to their customers. Powered by DSI, the system cut the total approval and activation process to roughly 15 minutes, a stark contrast to any other national chain's in-store wireless service experience. Our members have realized instant success with this program. We've paid out more than $1 million on commissions to our members to date, and we've worked with AT&T to educate and certify over 200 retailers as AT&T Champions since last summer. But beyond the smartphone and wireless service, bringing AT&T into independent retailers' stores means we're giving them the opportunity to offer in-home Wi-Fi and DIRECTV entertainment services. And later this year, AT&T will begin offering its AT&T TV streaming service. This brings the complete package of smartphones, wireless service, in-home broadband and entertainment services right to our members' stores in an easy-to- integrate display area. "The phone has essentially become our remote control to the smart home, whether we're in our homes or on the go," says Eric Sindelar, director of connected services for Nationwide. "Being able to provide those services as a retailer puts you in prime position to win new, recurring business. And with these entertainment services and more connected devices being added to the in-home network regularly, we're going to see a need for faster internet speeds. Our relationship with AT&T and DSI allows our members to offer their customers exactly what they need to power their connected home." Without that connectivity, the smart home cannot exist. And with this AT&T program, our independent retail members can tell the story and demonstrate it for their customers right in their showroom. AN EVOLVING RETAIL EXPERIENCE Smart home technology has had a tremendous impact on the in-home experience. But it's also had a tremendous impact on the retail experience, from the way consumers research these products, to the physical purchase process, to how products are serviced. "With so many connected products operating on several platforms, and with products purchased likely from several different retailers, it is becoming increasingly hard for a retailer to take responsibility for the entire ecosystem," says Derek Mattila, vice president of Nationwide's connected home division. Technology will continue to change at breakneck speeds, and retailers who hope to succeed in this day and age will need to evolve alongside it. The best part is, they don't have to do it alone. The programs and relationships that we've developed with our vendor, distribution and service partners in this space are designed to be just as innovative and flexible as the industries they serve. We consider relationship building to be one of our major strengths. It allows us to serve as a bridge between the major brands and our independent retailer members, as well as between past trends and future opportunities. In a cutthroat industry like retail, we believe it's our responsibility to be the kind of partner who'll help you strengthen your relationships with your partners and customers. The only way to take advantage of all these programs and exclusive opportunities is to be part of the Nationwide Marketing Group family. If tapping into a $490 billion smart home market is something that interests you, and if you want to take part in this revolutionary retail opportunity, reach out to us. Please visit www.nationwidegroup.org for more info. We can't wait to hear from you. Rob Stott, Corporate Communications Manager, Nationwide Marketing Group RO

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