Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2020 58 A LL SYSTEMS GO AT PRIME TIME A LL SYSTEMS GO AT PRIME TIME They were also able to speak with representatives from Google about the recently launched Google Nest Prime Retail Program, which gives them access to the full lineup of Nest thermostats, doorbells, lights, routers and hubs. And there were plenty of other connected devices scattered across the PrimeTime show floor, too. But two new, non-product-related opportunities in the connected home space also made their debuts at this PrimeTime: a service program with Tech Smart USA and a merchandising solution through a partnership with Gorrie. With Tech Smart USA, Nationwide members now have access to an in-home tech support solution for their customers – no matter where they purchased those products. This three-year support program gives retailers' customers direct access to highly qualified experts based right here in the United States, and it keeps retailers' staff free from having to answer those service calls. Plus, it presents a great margin opportunity on those connected home sales. Gorrie, a 135-year-old brand, has a strong history of turning ideas into incredible in-store retail experiences, and Nationwide tasked the firm with making the Tiny Home experience easy to replicate in members' stores. Gorrie's team of designers, engineers, program and project managers, warehousing and distribution specialists, installers and services technicians work closely with retailers to develop and deliver in-store activations that are impactful and engaging – which is imperative when it comes to the connected home. Using basic fixtures, Gorrie presented a simplified retail display at PrimeTime that resembled a living room in a relatively compact space. The area featured four smart TVs, multiple smart speakers and smart lighting fixtures alongside info-packed digital price tags, powered by FlashTags. These programs, alongside the continued growth of Nationwide's partnership with AT&T – which saw more than 100 additional members get trained as AT&T Champions in Houston – are aimed at helping retailers both increase traffic into their stores and get a slice of that $490 billion market. MOVING OUTDOORS Since its launch with Nationwide in 2017, the outdoor segment has grown exponentially year over year. The initiative was introduced with 10 vendors and roughly 135 participating members. Entering PrimeTime in Houston, the grill business has grown 55% year-over- year. Outdoor now features 27 vendor partners and more than 600 Nationwide members selling related products. But that's just scratching the surface with the outdoor category. "Our job is to look around corners and create paths to new opportunities for you, and outdoor is a big one," Hickman explained.

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