Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM AUGUST 2015 56 BRANDSOURCE TAPS INDUSTRY VETERAN RAY ALLEGREZZA TO SUPPORT GROWTH OF HOME FURNISHINGS AND BEDDING DIVISION Industry veteran Ray Allegrezza has teamed up with BrandSource, the nation's leading member-owned merchandising group, and will focus his attention on the furniture and bedding sectors, each of which are becoming increasingly important to BrandSource members. In partnering with BrandSource, Allegrezza brings more than three decades of editorial and publishing experience to the group and will assist with continuing the organization's long history of supporting members with initiatives ranging from marketing and merchandising support to education and informational updates, both in print and online. In his new role, Allegrezza will collaborate with Mike Allen, executive vice president of Home Furnishings for BrandSource, and contribute content to YourSource magazine, a new quarterly publication showcasing the latest in industry trends and events. "Many people associate BrandSource as a leader in the appliance and consumer electronics categories, but our group has also become one of the country's largest and most important retailers of home furnishings and mattresses," said Jim Ristow, BrandSource CEO. "As the furniture and bedding category continues to become more important to a growing number of members, it makes sense to bring on someone with Allegrezza's long history of expertise in these categories to assist with our efforts." "I've been familiar with BrandSource for many years and have always been impressed by the quality of the group's members and by how well BrandSource consistently supports them," said Allegrezza. "I am proud and honored to be affiliated with such a fine organization." Allegrezza resides in Trinity, NC. He has served on the boards of the City of Hope, the Anti-Defamation League and Help1Up, an organization that provides furniture to children in need. BRANDSOURCE RESTRUCTURES ORGANIZATION TO OFFER TAILORED SUPPORT TO MEMBERS FOCUSED ON APPLIANCES, HOME FURNISHINGS AND MATTRESSES In a move designed to boost member recruitment and retention and offer dedicated support to members, BrandSource has restructured its organization to offer "category expert" regional managers in each of its 14 regions. The managers will offer hyper- local, laser-focused sales and marketing support for dealers offering appliances, home furnishings and mattresses. Led by Jim Ristow, BrandSource CEO and Tom Bennett, BrandSource president, members will also be encouraged to attend a variety of networking events in their respective regions to foster better communication between sales representatives, vendors and members. According to Bennett, consumers have needs that are very sophisticated and shoppers are looking for expert assistance with tailored solutions. By restructuring the organization to offer two primary business units, BrandSource and ProSource, each division will operate as a separate entity while continuing to share resources and leverage each other for the greater good. "Today's shoppers gather information long before they enter a store or make a purchase, and it's our job to help BrandSource members amplify that knowledge with expert guidance," said Bennett. "Our regional managers will be on hand to offer highly personalized support and guidance to help members increase sales." Bennett added that familiarity with each geographical region, including customer preferences and lifestyles, is an added bonus. "What works in one area of the country may not work in another, and having a regional representative who knows and lives in your area is a tremendous advantage," he said. ProSource, led by CEO David Workman, will continue to service dealers offering consumer electronics and audio products. B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S RO R AY A L L E G R E Z Z A

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