Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2015 30 perfect time? Rice functions such as White Rice, Risotto and Brown Rice, allow you to cook your rice to perfection in a matter of minutes! In addition to these features, a new function has been added for your convenience to create a one-pot cooking experience. The Yogurt function prepares both regular and Greek yogurt right at home, creating a healthy and flavorful dessert. Prepare your favorite traditional, creamy and fruit-flavored varieties with this premium, electric machine. This one-of-a kind, illustrious unit is also available with a blue ceramic removable pot that is dishwasher safe and non-stick for an easy clean-up. The LUX is equipped with a self-locking lid, automatic pressure release setting and two independent pressure control valves. Along with the advanced unit is a NEW 4-digit LED screen with soft-touch controls including a "+" and "-" for easy time adjustment. Included with the LUX is a user's manual and a recipe booklet. Interested in creating epicurean meals with your new unit? A downloadable link to a full color, digital recipe book with over 75 delicious recipes is also available! "Fagor's NEW LUX Multi-Cooker is the ultimate and ideal unit to your cooking methods and experiences," said Sara de la Hera, vice president of sales and marketing for Fagor America. "It is the optimal addition to our continuously growing line of electrics while providing a touch of elegance to your kitchen along with precision, efficiency and all in between." Suggested retail price for the 6-quart LUX Multi- Cooker is $129.95, launched exclusively at Sur La Table in April and $159.95 for the 8-quart, available now! For more information on Fagor's line of pressure cookers, cookware and small electrics, visit: www.fagoramerica.com. HTSA AND NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP FORM FIRST-EVER GAME CHANGING CE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE FOR THE FUTURE In a world where everything is becoming connected, leading CE buying groups partner to deliver a true smart home experience for today's technology consumer Together the Home Technology Specialists of America (HTSA) and Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) announced the formation of a strategic alliance, effective immediately. The alliance allows both independent organizations to maximize and leverage their individual strengths, while working cooperatively to increase member benefits, bolster vendor relationships and amplify synergies in marketing, demand generation and other services. In an unprecedented move, this alliance not only presents new business opportunities for the members and vendors, but also forms the CE industry's single largest buying and marketing collaboration, specifically dedicated to home technology specialty retailers and system integrators. Part of this strategic alliance and new direction is the restructuring of NMG's Specialty Electronics Nationwide (SEN) group into the new Home Technology Specialists of Nationwide (HTSN), with membership consisting of specialty AV retailers and system integrators. In conjunction with the announcement of the new partnership, the group has also revealed the HTSN logo, a symbolization of the strategic alliance and the opportunity it presents to drive the connected home business. "HTSA has always been a thought leader and trailblazer when it comes to taking progressive actions that enable our membership to grow and flourish," said Bob Hana, HTSA managing director. "Our agility has allowed HTSA specialty retailers and integrators to adapt quicker than others to market dynamics, which includes today's connected home movement. We see immense opportunity here to offer a more complete, connected home solution spanning everything from home entertainment, security and control to comfort, convenience and connected appliances. Together with Nationwide Marketing Group, we are uniquely aligned to address the evolving needs of the CE industry and a new class of tech-hungry consumers." Tom Hickman, senior VP electronics at Nationwide said, "It's rare to find such a unique opportunity—members from both organizations are able to leverage the strengths of the other in order to capture the most available share in this space. These complementing benefits showcase just how powerful this alliance will be for our retailers." Along with bringing heightened focus and energy to the home technology space, this innovative alliance also empowers both organizations with added benefits and resources. For HTSN, the alliance helps to extend relationships with like-minded business owners who are marketing connected solutions, while also granting the HTSA membership access to best in class marketing tools and services, including NMG's exclusive HD electronic signage system for digital content and HD Commercials, customized marketing materials, and a dedicated web service team to generate a bigger digital footprint for these members. Professional-grade resources will pave the way for enhanced service and support, expertly tailored for the connected world, ranging from mobile-friendly training apps to live-streaming support technology. "With 69% of consumers expected to own a connected home device by 2019, who better to manage today's connected home and connected appliances than a professional, knowledgeable home technology specialist?" added Hana. "HTSA and HTSN will now represent the future of smart home product delivery, support and service. This alliance is a forward-thinking plan of action proving that we don't rest on our laurels." I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ] RO

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