Members of Nationwide Marketing Group are primed for a successful 2020 after spending four fruitful days in Houston for the group’s 56th PrimeTime conference and trade show. More than 3,700 attendees from 950 Nationwide member companies descended upon the George R. Brown Convention Center where they had the opportunity to explore products and business services programs from 220 exhibiting vendors — including 39 new vendor partners — that spanned more than 250,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Centered around the theme of “All Systems Go,” this PrimeTime proved to be all about presenting Nationwide’s members with the massive opportunities available to them in a number of areas. For starters, members took advantage of more than 1,700 exclusive show deals and Cash Back offers, realizing more than $6 million in Cash Backs distributed on the spot in Houston.
“I believe 2020 has the potential to be even more successful for Independent retailers than 2019 was,” Nationwide Chief Member Advocate Tom Hickman told members during the show’s opening keynote. “The American economy, despite all the turmoil of the last year or so, is actually pretty strong. Interest rates are still at historic lows, as is unemployment, and while housing starts have slowed somewhat, they’re still performing well overall. All of which are positive indicators for our industry.”
A strong outlook means there’s no better time than the present for independent retailer to start looking for new opportunities to grow their business. In particular, PrimeTime attendees were introduced to new partnerships and programs in the Connected Home and Outdoor spaces.
With an annual market of roughly $490 billion, the Connected Home market is ripe for independent retailers to tap into. And Nationwide members have a number of resources available to them in the form of the Google Nest Prime Retail program for access to product; the Tech Smart USA partnership that brings a tech support offering to the table; and Gorrie’s expertise in the in-store merchandising space to help retailers effectively showcase the connected home in their showrooms.
Outdoor is a category that has experienced tremendous growth for Nationwide members, expanding from 10 vendors and roughly 135 participating members when the vertical was launched in 2017, to 27 lines and more than 600 members selling outdoor-related products today. Entering PrimeTime in Houston, the grill business has grown 55% year-over-year. Members were educated on the opportunity for more frequent and repeat customer traffic because of the accessories available in this space — from spices and rubs to charcoal pellets and more.
PrimeTime is more than just a two-day tradeshow, though. Members were fully invested in the educational and networking opportunities afforded to them during the four-day conference program. More than 140 Nationwide Learning Academy sessions saw 4,679 session attendees fill the seats, meaning member companies attended an average of 4.97 sessions during their time in Houston. PrimeTime also featured 228 member-lead roundtable sessions. There were also networking opportunities available through several specialty groups within Nationwide, including WIN: Women in Nationwide, Nationwide RentDirect, Home Technology Specialists Nationwide (HTSN), Nationwide’s NextGen young professionals’ organization and Nationwide’s servicing dealer network.
“This was the greatest PrimeTime ever for my team,” says Nationwide member Paul Sherman, vice president of Sherman’s. “It felt awesome contributing more in Nationwide Learning Academy sessions and panels; vendor meetings were the strongest ever; and what was decided at the Service Leaders Network and Linked Leaders meetings will push those groups to new levels of productivity. We have a remarkable group, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Additionally, members, vendors and the Nationwide team alike used their collective power in numbers to make a difference. The partnership with No Child Hungry saw another 148,623 meals packed, bringing the two-year group-wide total up to 1.19 million meals. The program expanded in Houston to include the sale of Skye Bows. One Skye Bow sold helps create five packed meals — nearly 300 were sold at PrimeTime, helping pack an additional 1,500 meals.
The PrimeTime show floor in Houston was buzzing and packed with excitement, giveaways, new product launches and more. Members who missed out on the opportunity to join the Nationwide team won’t have long to wait for their next chance to attend PrimeTime. The show’s 57th edition will shift back to Las Vegas, August 2-5. Visit www.nationwidegroup.org or www.nationwideprimetime.com for more information and to get registered.
What You’re Saying
“Nearly 7,000 laundry pairs sold in 90 minutes? That’s a GE record for laundry at PrimeTime Palooza!” – Kyle Musser, senior program manager – buying groups, GE Appliances
“Turnout at our training events at PrimeTime Houston was OFF THE CHARTS! Not only did we have an eight-fold increase in Nationwide Learning Academy attendance, but 20% of attendees were non-LG dealers who wanted to learn more about our product line-up. That’s the best new-dealer traffic we’ve ever seen.” – Mike Pechtel, senior regional sales manager, LG Appliances
“We know how important it is to maximize average selling price in this day and age, and Tempur+Sealy is dedicated in our partnership with Nationwide Marketing Group now more than ever to bring competitive product and programs to drive sales for our independent retailers. Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon in Las Vegas!” – Scott Warlick, vice president of buying groups, Tempur+Sealy
“My team and I loved connecting with so many Nationwide Members at the Learning Academy. It’s a reminder of the strength of the industry and all the great things coming in 2020. We’re already looking forward to the next one!” – Mike Douglas, vice president of sales, Malouf
“PrimeTime Houston was an incredible opportunity for Corsicana to effectively engage new and existing customers in an energetic environment. The accommodations and preparation by Nationwide Marketing Group resulted in an awesome outcome for Corsicana, and we look forward to continuing to grow our business together.” – Michael C. Thompson, CEO, Corsicana Mattress Company
“Simply put, PrimeTime is outstanding! Not only did it give us a platform to introduce ourselves to hundreds of Members who were unfamiliar with us, but it also elevated current customers’ perceptions about us. For vendors, PrimeTime is a must. And for Members, you can’t afford not to attend!” – Joey Middleton, sales manager, Elements International Group
“PrimeTime proved to be an extraordinary experience, and once again the quality of the Nationwide Marketing Group team and members was very positive, focused and energetic! It is safe to say that, by hearing the repetitive complimentary remarks made by the NMG members, it was a clear indicator of great success. Leather Italia USA echoes the same. We look forward to the 2020 Las Vegas summer PrimeTime event and the continued business relationship along with our strategic forecasted growth as a key vendor NMG partner.” – Michael Campbell, CEO and president, Leather Italia USA
“The excitement in the air at PrimeTime was contagious. Every table was full of people writing orders, and pens were running out of ink. In my 27 years of sales experience, I have never been a part of a program with this much excitement and energy behind it.” – Gary Melder, senior director of sales, Serta Simmons Bedding
“We had our best PrimeTime Palooza ever, with a 400% increase in sales compared to previous shows.” – Ryan Schwede, senior director – buying groups and distribution, Electrolux
“Nationwide listens to the needs of their Members and provides the products and services a business needs, whether it’s a mom-and-pop store or a multi-location corporation. From QuickBooks to electronic pricing signs, there’s a lot for everyone.” – Mary Pat Koslowski, senior account executive, LendPro
