RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2023
6
O
n my recent trip to the NATM convention I had a few spare hours, so I took a
quick trip to the Nebraska Furniture Market store in Texas. WOW, what an
experience. Not only was the store more than 550,000 square feet but it was
surrounded by Grandscape, a campus with a unique mixed-use development full of
food, concert venues, shopping and entertainment, and a huge Ferris wheel like the one
we have here in Vegas — complete with bars in it.
What really caught my eye was not just the sheer size of this location, but the mix of
products they sell: appliances, electronics, furniture, lighting, flooring, and even fitness
equipment and lawn care products. They had gaming sections, small appliances, and
kitchenware. The luxury appliance section had amazing build-out as each manufacturer
had their own rooms. I think the only product I didn't see represented was plumbing
(it may be something they'll add in the future).
THE NFM VISION
"From our inception, NFM has been guided by principles of selling cheap, telling
the truth, and providing outstanding selection and service. By keeping our principles
in mind, we believe we can fulfill our true mission: Improving people's lifestyles."
I think their motto says it all and reflects what I personally feel is important to
today's consumer.
I was impressed by the cleanliness and organization of the store and how helpful
the staff were, from the security guard to the department managers that I met, to
the young lady at the coffee stand that made me a great white mocha latte. By the
way, there were two restaurants, a coffee bar, a candy shop, and a wine cart.
I'm not saying you need to go and build a multistory megastore like this one, but many
of the things they do seem to be on track with what I'd do if I were to open a store:
multiple options for the consumer to choose from and a variety that would keep them
coming back. The little add-on purchases they offered and the environment they created
must certainly add to their bottom line. This was truly a remarkable shopping experience,
and it even inspired me to purchase outdoor solar speakers for my garden.
Moe Lastfogel
moe@retailobserver.com
Moe's Musings Views
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