Independent Thinking
Current Issue: October 2020
Click the cover to view the digital edition of Independent Thinking
Member Spotlight: Paul’s Furniture
Renee Spresser is the owner of Paul’s Furniture in Selden, KS — the small-town furniture store with a larger-than-life personality.
Member Spotlight: Don’s TV & Appliance
Donnie Thedford, second-generation independent retail store owner and operator of Don’s TV & Appliance, shares details on COVID’s impact on his business and where he’s found success in the new normal.
5 Lessons for Independent Businesses from the COVID-19 Crisis
here are five valuable lessons that Independents retailers can take from the pandemic about their place in the market and how to preserve it.
A Case Study in Using Marketing to Drive Foot Traffic
While every retailer and every market is different, there are common underlying marketing tactics that are highly effective.
Energy Star Can Be the Ace Up Your Sleeve
When you present Energy Star products to a consumer that has been out of the marketplace for perhaps 10 years, you’re showing them the most feature rich, innovative and energy efficient products.
LTO as a Lifeline During COVID-19
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, LTO may now be necessary to allow you to continue servicing your existing customer base. Get to know the basics of LTO through experts in the space.
New Marketplace, New Rules of Engagement, New Consumer Messaging
Nationwide’s No-Cost Video Support for Your Online, On-Air and In-store Voice
Despite a “New Normal,” the Fundamentals of Retail Remain the Same
In the midst of all the changing and evolving that’s taking place at retail, we also need to remember the basics.
The New Retail: How Coronavirus is Changing Customer Expectations
A direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, customer expectations have drastically changed for the retail shopping experience.
Get to Know: Eric Sindelar, Director of Connected Services
Get to know Eric Sindelar, Nationwide Marketing Group’s director of connected services.
What to Expect in Consumer Finance Programs Post-COVID
As consumers manage their expenses better going forward, retailers have an excellent opportunity to double down on promoting and offering consumer finance options.
How Consumers Will View Protection Plans in the Post-COVID Era
As we all strive to return to normalcy in this post-coronavirus world, we examine how consumers might approach the decision to add protection plan coverage to their purchase.
Introducing the Nationwide Marketing Group Independent Retail Confidence Index
Nationwide Marketing Group has launched a new monthly report that aims to detail the overall sentiment of the Independent retail channel — the NMG Index.
Integrating Chat Into Your Website? Here Are Some Best Practices
From the outset of the global pandemic, retailers have turned their attention to offering improved digital services. Chat has been a big part of that.
The Ups and Downs of Home Appliance Retail Through COVID-19
How did COVID impact the home appliance business during the first half? The answer to that could depend on who you ask, but there are enough headwinds and tailwinds to go around.
Grow Your Consumer Electronics Margin Through F.O.C.U.S.
The path to these higher margins in consumer electronics begins with a sales strategy – not unlike other categories you may sell. Learn how F.O.C.U.S. could be the key to your success.
Are You Getting Your Fair Share of Foot Traffic?
Increasing your retail foot traffic starts with maximizing every opportunity — from you rstore’s website to the front door.
It’s Time to Come to Your Retail “Senses”
Science has proven over and over again that shoppers are attracted to retail experiences that pull on their senses — and the outdoor category has a way of touching all five.
The Role of Point of Sale in the Evolution of Retail
Used properly, a point of sale system can turn a struggling retailer’s business around in no time and help a more successful retailer thrive.
Member Spotlight: Webb’s Home Store
As a truly small-town retailer, Webb’s Home Store has to be nimble in its strategy. In that regard, Owner Grant Webb has learned to embrace innovation.
A Major Milestone: NMG and Members Hit 1 Million Meals Packed for No Child Hungry
In November 2019, as the Nationwide Week of Giving was in full swing, that movement saw the 1,000,000th meal of the partnership between NMG and No Child Hungry packed and sealed.
Member Spotlight: Royal Flooring
The quick and exponential growth that Urbandale, Iowa-based retailer Royal Flooring has experienced is no accident. Co-owner Johnnie Kennell shares some of his secrets to success.
Member Spotlight: Mrs. G Appliances
Lawrence, NJ-based appliance retailer Mrs. G Appliances leans in on the meaning of being a local business — a strategy that has lead to sustained success.
Houston, We Have ENERGY STAR
At PrimeTime, you has a tremendous opportunity to see for yourself how energy and innovation can drive your business to new heights in 2020 with ENERGY STAR®.
Digital Conversions Matter for Your Store
Conversions are ultimately an engagement with your customer. This could be an online sale or some type of inquiry about your products or services. The type of engagement tells us where they are in their path to purchase.
Member Spotlight: Orsini’s Appliance Sales & Service
The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well with Martinsburg, WV-based Orsini’s Appliance Sales & Service.
Meaningful Marketing Matters, and Nationwide Marketing Agency is Here to Help You
In February 2019, Nationwide Marketing Group launched a full-service marketing agency that supports you, our Members, in all of your efforts to drive brand recognition, create a larger digital footprint and increase your annual sales.
