Retail Observer

NOVEMBER 2023 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 45 T eamwork, passion, and collaboration continue to be the cornerstones of the National Alliance of Trade Merchants (NATM), underscoring the success of the 2023 NATM Vendor Conference September 19-21 at the Omni Frisco Hotel in Frisco, Texas. The theme of the three-day conference "Together Towards Tomorrow" provided a platform and an opportunity for newly appointed head of NATM, John Riddle, to drive the national buying co-op forward with his vision. "The goal is to pave the way for our collective future by uniting our members, vendors, and partners to reshape the retail landscape," said Riddle. "We need to pull together to strengthen the collaboration among our members and continually reach out to the OEMs to expand our partnerships. This event was the first step in facilitating the dialogue among our members to propel the customer experience to the next level and foster ideas that will pave the road for the future of retail in the consumer electronics, appliance, furniture, and bedding industries." The vendor conference brought together CEOs from the largest global retailers and provided NATM members with access to senior leadership brainpower from top consumer brands. These leaders provided insights into the structuring of brand offerings, marketplace strategy, product diversification, and enhanced delivery options. Members in attendance were left ideally positioned to leverage their advantages over large-scale retailers and big box store competitors, and able to offer OEM partners unparalleled opportunities for collaborative growth and success. Riddle brings more than 40 years of retail and manufacturing expertise to NATM, and an impressive track record of management as a former senior executive with LG Electronics, Maytag/ Whirlpool, Electrolux, and Howard's. It all began with a role in the family TV and appliance business; Riddle is now a visionary with invaluable industry insights he has garnered along the way. He is assisted in his leadership role in NATM by Board President and CEO of R.C. Willey Scott Hymas, and other members of the board including Gregg Richard of P.C. Richard, Marty Hartunian of ABC Warehouse, and Mike Abt of Abt Appliances. "Marketplace demand is shifting toward mandatory replacements, and as a result the lower- end appliance category is expanding," said Riddle. "We are seeing a drop in the average selling price of parts, and a rebirth of home construction that spells good news for NATM members, vendors, and partners." NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF TRADE MERCHANTS STRATEGIZES TO CREATE A NEW RETAIL LANDSCAPE New CEO points to stronger collaboration as key to future success

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