Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM JULY 2017 56 B U Y I N G G R O U P N E W S H undreds of independent retailers converged in New Orleans on March 27-30 to take part in the 2017 MEGA Spring Convention. Businesses from as far as Ephrata, WA carved time out to be away from their stores, choosing to participate because of the training offered, seeing new products first-hand, and meeting new vendors. Retailers left feeling energized about how to tackle the challenges they face today. MEGA's President Rick Bellows addressed the group on Tuesday morning, speaking to the opportunities that lay ahead for independent retailers as long-standing nationals like Sears and now-defunct hhgregg continued to lose share. A lot of focus was put on digital, "which is a primary lever retailers' need to pull now in order to take their piece of the open share," stated Bellows. "The appliance and home furnishing industry is as exciting as it has ever been. For the first time in over 20 years, the opportunities that lay ahead for the independent retailer are tremendous. The independent channel — our members — can pick up billions of dollars of share; we have the tools and resources to capture it." Following the morning's address, the day was packed with over 40 breakout sessions led by experts across various industries. bedding shops began their day with Mattress University lead by Mark Kinsley from Leggett & Platt, followed by Gerry Morris, a longstanding consultant in the category, and then they heard from David Perry, executive editor of Furniture Today. Appliance retailers saw new products and participated in merchandising training during Appliance University sessions with GE, Electrolux, Samsung, LG and Whirlpool. Furniture stores heard from Alem Sklar, the creative director at Renwil on new design trends, learned about a new shipping program available through Freight Club, and got a sneak peek of a new digital furniture pricing strategy for WebFronts websites from Retailer Web Services. MEGA also introduced two new categories to the membership which was met with much interest. ICON Health and Fitness and Saratoga Spas were announced as new partners at the training sessions and during the buying show. Both opportunities position the independent retailer to compete with national and regional players, and provide a whole home approach for customers. Other events included keynotes from George Anderson from Synchrony Financial and Kevin Lao from Google, MEGA's annual golf tournament, a member-exclusive open house at Mattress Direct, hot deals during MEGA Madness, and a final reception which included a retirement send-off to Jim Sendrak, the former head of MEGA's consumer electronics and marketing divisions. Beyond tremendous deals and show specials, vendors were also very generous with providing attendees chances to win multiple giveaways of merchandise, cash, and gift cards. Dak Sorenson from Sorenson's Appliance in Geneva, MN proved extra-lucky with a repeat win with Whirlpool's giveaway. He and three friends will be attending Game One of the 2017 World Series, all-expenses-paid, thanks to Whirlpool Corporation. To end the third day, attendees gathered to see who would drive away in a brand-new Audi A3 sedan courtesy of Serta Simmons Bedding. The owners of David's Home and Sleep Center, David and Brandise Wilkins from Batesville, AK, were stunned when their ticket was called. MEGA's next convention will be held in Nashville, TN on August 12–15. Please visit www.megagroupshow.com for more information. RO RETAILERS FIND RENEWED ENERGY FOLLOWING MEGA CONVENTION

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