Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM APRIL 2022 56 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S F or the first time in PrimeTime's 30-year history, Nationwide Marketing Group brought the buying, education and networking experience to the Arizona desert – and it unfolded as one of the more memorable shows in recent history, with exciting product launches and new program announcements, an inspirational keynote and some of the most innovative education the independent retail channel has seen. "There was lots of camaraderie, lots of energy in Phoenix. It's a good time to be an independent retailer," says Nationwide President and Chief Member Advocate Tom Hickman. "Business is brisk, though not without challenges. We helped our members address the challenges, including supply chain, pricing and finding and keeping talent. From the expo to the education, PrimeTime provided the answers our members were seeking." Nationwide members took part in experiential expo areas and events that could be easily replicated in-store. The PrimeTime Backyard gave outdoor vendors a 360° sensory experience and the Luxury University in-booth experience with luxury appliance vendors Thermador and Monogram displayed innovative models of in-store events to attract and educate a high-touch clientele. There were more than a dozen educational tracks in the Nationwide Learning Academy. Members "Experienced the Journey" through spotlight sessions on succeeding in the evolving customer decision path. From there, they could dive into courses on the in-store experience, improving their web experience, human resources and team building, data and analytics, and financial and business services. PrimeTime essentials returned, including Mattress University, Furniture Forum and Member 2 Member roundtables. With impactful presentations, the sessions gave dealers a chance to share best practices. "The connections made in the classroom, on the show floor and in the hallways were among the most meaningful we've seen," says Melissa Stenson, vice president of member experience. "Our members were craving to get in front of our vendor partners and learn from one another. Between the 100-plus Learning Academy sessions, dozens of product training sessions and member-led roundtables, PrimeTime offered every opportunity to help our members up their game." Despite ongoing challenges with inventory, vendor partners showed tremendous support for Nationwide's network of independent retailers. At the 90-minute Palooza buying frenzy, retailers placed over $4.15 million in orders through the Palooza app – up more than 67% from the August 2021 PrimeTime. PrimeTime expo featured new-product introductions, world premieres and new program announcements. Serta Simmons Bedding rolled out its Beautyrest Black collection, Tempur + Sealy showed its new private-label Encore lineup exclusive to Nationwide mattress retailers, Thermador and Dacor made their PrimeTime debuts as luxury appliance vendors, and Vision Grills and Croix Valley Foods joined the outdoor vendor partner portfolio. "We're starting to see the product pipeline open up, and it resulted in a tremendous show for our vendor partners and members," Hickman says. "Some vendor partners launched new brands, while others experienced the energy of PrimeTime for the first time. Our vendor partners are saying how much they appreciate the opportunity to work with our channel and our network of independent retailers." Giveback initiatives continued in Phoenix, highlighted by a milestone in the group's meal-packing efforts – Nationwide and No Child Hungry crossed the 1.5 million meals packed threshold. All meals packed in Phoenix stayed in the local community and were distributed to families in need. The PrimeTime experience continued with Virtual PrimeTime which opened in late February, giving attendees a chance to re-watch the educational offerings and allow those unable to attend to receive a taste of the in-person offerings. Retailers can visit www.nationwideprimetime.com to learn about and sign up for Virtual PrimeTime. Next, Nationwide Marketing Group will turn its attention to the 59th edition of PrimeTime, to take place in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, August 13-16. RO PRODUCT AND PROGRAM LAUNCHES, EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION HIGHLIGHT NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP'S WINTER PRIMETIME SHOW Nationwide Marketing Group and its vendor partners make the first-ever PrimeTime in Phoenix a memorable one for independent retailers

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