Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM MARCH 2024 58 F TS Direct, the recently launched direct sourcing program by the AVB BrandSource buying group, has begun to bear fruit. The first mixed container load of BrandSource-exclusive recliners has hit U.S. shores and was successfully shipped to Utah, where the merchandise was divvied up for delivery to the program's first four participants. They include Utah and Wyoming dealers Liddiard's Home Furnishings, Fisher Home Furnishings, Kusel's Furniture & Appliance, and Best Deal Mattress & Furniture, who floored and merchandised the goods for sale to customers beginning early this year. Under the sourcing initiative, FTS – an abbreviation of Furniture Technology Source, the group's home furnishings wing – selects, curates, imports, and ships mixed container loads of factory-direct products for BrandSource members only. By pooling their buying power, dealers can enjoy close to factory-direct pricing without committing to a full container of merchandise, while FTS negotiates ocean freight from Asia and drayage from ports. What's more, each imported product is accompanied by a complete package of merchandising and marketing material including images and descriptive content provided by FTS and plugged into AVB's backend systems for display on dealers' websites. According to FTS Vendor Relations Manager Luke Larsen, FTS Direct is available exclusively to active members of AVB BrandSource and represents "another solution to keep our members competitive." The first furniture contingent consisted of four leather collections: Wave, Zenith, Cowboy, and Harrison, each offering premium product at import pricing. All feature 100% top-grade dyed leather seating with vinyl matching sides and back; hardwood frames with boarded and padded sides for durability; power headrests and footrests that employ premium- brand mechanisms and motors; and consoles, cupholders and storage space within both the sectionals and loveseats. The products are primarily manufactured overseas from globally sourced materials, Larsen said, and the estimated wait time for orders is 90 to 120 days once FTS receives commitments for a full container load of goods. Members attending last month's Winter Market in Las Vegas had the opportunity to review the collections firsthand at the FTS Experience Center showroom and may do so again at upcoming High Point events, he noted. Larsen added that FTS Direct is just the latest development in the buying group's emphasis on building power for members in the home furnishings channel. "Furniture remains the fastest-growing category at BrandSource, and FTS Direct is intended to deliver flexibility, value, and resources to keep our members growing, profitable, and independent," he said. For details on FTS Direct product, pricing and logistics, contact Larsen at luke.larsen@avb.net or call (920) 475-9591. In other AVB BrandSource news, the group recently held its annual Leadership Conference, where directors, region officers, vendor partners, and the Executive Leadership Team review BrandSource's progress over the preceding 12 months and set new goals for the year ahead. The team gathered at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas for three days of work and hard play. But the fun and games had a real-world purpose: to raise funds for AVB's official charity partner, Foster Love. Formerly known as Together We Rise, the non-profit organization is dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care by providing essential resources and educational opportunities. To that end, attendees participated in a ballroom version of the Olympics, with each BrandSource Region adopting a different nationality. The competition was comprised of six very un-Olympic-like challenges, including Egg Waddle, a relay race in which flipper-footed contestants carried an egg on a spoon; Project Runway, in which one member from each team was wrapped in toilet tissue to vie for best dressed; and Draw Jim Ristow, in which each team sketched a portrait of AVB's CEO while blindfolded. Sorry Jim, but it was all for a good cause! B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO BRANDSOURCE'S SHIP HAS COME IN First FTS Direct container load delivered to members' stores Alan Wolf is Senior Communications Specialist for AVB BrandSource, the nation's leading member-owned merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, furniture, bedding, and consumer tech dealers.

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