Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM FEBRUARY 2016 58 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S O'ROURKE SALES COMPANY PURCHASES DSI, EXPANDS DISTRIBUTION PARTNERSHIP FOR NATIONWIDE MARKETING GROUP Nationwide Marketing Group has announced that O'Rourke Sales Company (OSC) has signed an agreement to service the group's 3,800+ member retailers. Stepping into the role previously held by DSI Systems, whom they signed an agreement to acquire, OSC will become an integral part of NMG's Distribution strategy. Based out of Iowa, OSC will integrate DSI's seven warehouse facilities into their existing distribution network, deeming O'Rourke the single largest TV supplier to independent dealers in the U.S. market. Nationwide Southwest also confirmed OSC will take over the Nationwide Direct Program, ran previously by DSI, servicing the members within the Southwest region. Dennis Willich, CEO of Nationwide Southwest said, "Our members will be able to source products from a world class distributor, presenting a great opportunity for our independents." "OSC is proud to partner with the largest buying group in an effort to assist their roster of independent retailers with their distribution and warehousing needs. We continue to invest in all arms of our business to ensure we are executing leading class service levels and look forward to demonstrating that to all of Nationwide's members," said Jeff O'Rourke, CEO of OSC. "With 2015 marking our 50th Anniversary of distribution, this acquisition of DSI's CE and FAB divisions shows our commitment to invest in growth of our systems, facilities and resources to provide our dealers 'best in class' service levels. The addition of the Columbus warehouse will give us coast to coast coverage with exceptional delivery times," said Joe O'Rourke, Jr., president of O'Rourke Sales Company. Dave Bilas, president and CEO of Nationwide, said, "We look forward to our membership taking advantage of what OSC has to offer with regard to distribution and we are confident our group is in good hands moving forward through this change. This expansion on our existing relationship with OSC showcases our commitment to aligning our members with the leading service providers in our industry. We also appreciate the partnership with DSI over the last decade and wish them the best of luck in their pursuit of growth in other categories." HTSN LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE Home Technology Specialists Nationwide [HTSN], the premier custom electronics and installation group inside Nationwide Marketing just launched a refreshed website. HTSN specializes in bringing independent retailers the best CI brands in the business in automation, screens, whole home audio and video distribution, complete theater packages, seating and accessories for custom integration businesses. The site updates include more representative graphics of what the group offers, details on the group's services and a list of vendor partners. Additionally, the site has been loaded with a new HTSN video, developed in the group's in house production studio, PrimeMedia, showcasing what HTSN is all about. Hank Alexander, director of HTSN says, "Our primary goal of the new site is help independents in the CI space better understand the benefits of partnering with a buying group and demonstrate to vendors the reach our group has and our focus to continue expanding with new vendor partners in the months to come." Take a look at the new website here at www.htsngroup.org. The new site also offers a one click jump start to becoming a member and taking advantage of the group's Prepare for Share member services program. This comprehensive strategy is used for facilitating growth among the group's independent retailers across all categories. Visitors will also receive a digital version of the group's Independent Thinking magazine with all inquiries submitted through the site. RO

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