Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JANUARY 2017 56 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S T his past February, retail industry veteran Matt Berry was promoted to director of specialty channels for AVB/ BrandSource. In his new position, Matt will act as liaison between BrandSource and strategic partners such as Maytag, HFA (Home Furnishing Association) and NECO (The Northeast Company). As BrandSource's representative to these prominent customer channels, Matt communicates with over 1,000 members in an effort to encourage cooperation and increase purchasing power. His new responsibilities regularly place him at furniture markets and trade shows where he can meet directly with partners and potential customers. "I help them take advantage of the best BrandSource has to offer in terms of our advertising and buying programs. Doing everything we can for the member to keep them competitive and profitable is our No. 1 goal," he says. It is precisely this hands-on effort to our buying group that we hope distinguishes BrandSource from our competitors. Matt's capacity as a go-between BrandSource and its partners put him in a unique position to benefit customers face-to-face while taking time to address any problems or concerns they might have. These close, personal relationships that Matt has been placed in charge of fostering, are indicative of the kinds of ties that BrandSource has built throughout its existence. Whether it is a longtime strategic ally or a fledgling retail store just starting out, BrandSource has consistently strived to develop a familial relationship with its partners and customers rather than one based solely on business. This is a quality we feel is sorely lacking with our box-store competitors whose impersonal approach to sales is exactly what we avoid. With this in mind, Matt was selected to drive BrandSource's specialty channels in acknowledgement of his vast customer service experience and his skills in developing new contacts. Matt was previously director of home appliances for BrandSource's Expert Warehouse division where he worked closely with company manufacturers to determine individual and group programs. Prior to joining BrandSource in 2014, Matt worked as a district manager for the buying group, MEGA Group USA, from 2012-2013. While at the Milwaukee-based company, he succeeded in utilizing the company's manufacturer programs for its customers while maximizing profitability. Matt also succeeded in managing new member recruitment in a multi-state territory during his tenure with MEGA. Matt began his career in retail sales with Maytag in 1990 where he worked for more than 20 years in a variety of different positions. Matt has a BS in Marketing from Iowa State. He currently resides in Sioux Falls, SD with his 2 daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, attending sporting events and getting out on Lake Okoboji. Please congratulate Matt on his new position. RO MATT BERRY NAMED BRANDSOURCE DIRECTOR OF SPECIALTY CHANNELS MATT BERRY, BrandSource Director of Specialty Channels

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