Retail Observer

APRIL 2020 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 59 RO The major promise in outdoor is the opportunity for more frequent and repeat customer traffic coming into the retailer's store. With grills, there's the possibility for add-ons and accessories in the form of spices, rubs and pellets; customers will return to buy those products nearly every month. And beyond the grills themselves, the outdoor entertainment space has quickly grown to prominence over the last several PrimeTime shows in the form of outdoor furniture and more. The best part about the outdoor category may come down to the fact that, really, it's all about having fun. Customers aren't coming into a retailer's store under duress having to replace a major appliance that broke down. Ten of Nationwide's grilling vendor partners put that type of fun on full display in Houston, where they literally fired up their products and cooked all kinds of decadent delights for members during a BBQ and Brews event: everything from steaks and pizzas to apple pies were cooked on smokers, grills and more right there in the convention center. And don't forget about Traeger's mechanical pig! A NATIONWIDE NETWORK Anyone who knows anything about PrimeTime, though, knows that there's more to this conference than a trade show. In the two days leading up to the opening of the show floor, members took part in more than 140 Nationwide Learning Academy sessions. Collectively, more than 4,600 member attendees walked into those educational and networking opportunities. In addition: • WIN: Women in Nationwide hosted its second breakfast and networking panel discussion. • A collection of up-and-coming retail rock stars got together to discuss the future of our NeXt Gen group. • The Service Leaders Network met to discuss best practices to address issues that service professionals face. And, as always when Nationwide Marketing Group and its members get together, the opportunity to give back is readily available. Once again, members, vendors and Nationwide staff alike delivered on their promise to stomp out childhood hunger, packing more than 148,000 meals for No Child Hungry. That figure brings the group-wide total number of meals packed up to nearly 1.2 million since the partnership began in 2018. PrimeTime in Houston was filled with educational opportunities, networking events and more cashback payouts than one could count. In fact, more than $6 million was paid out to members on the spot in Houston. If you missed out on joining Nationwide at PrimeTime, don't worry! Your next chance is coming up quick. PrimeTime returns to Las Vegas August 2-5, and every independent retailer is welcome. Visit www.nationwideprimetime.com for more information and to get registered.

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