Nationwide Marketing Group opened the virtual doors today to its second-ever Virtual PrimeTime show. Running March 16-18, Nationwide will once again host a variety of educational sessions, business and networking opportunities, and exciting giveaways for free to its network of independent retailers and home appliance, consumer electronics, outdoor, furniture, bedding and business services vendors.
As Nationwide points out, home improvements and renovations have seen tremendous growth in the past year, and for the first time in more than a decade, single-family housing starts are expected to surpass 1.1 million. In addition to the tax returns that always motivate spending this time of year, we’re also expecting another round of stimulus checks to further shake up the retail industry. In order to help retailers capitalize on this potential, Nationwide is offering a variety of educational sessions offering tools and resources for digital success.
“Nationwide members who embraced digital before or early in the pandemic saw unprecedented growth in 2020,” explains Nationwide President and Chief Member Advocate Tom Hickman. “And members who partnered with Retailer Web Services (RWS) and Site on Time saw, on average, 27% higher sales than retailers on other platforms. That’s simple, transparent data. We’ve invested heavily in digital over the past few years, and it’s inarguable that, for those who are taking advantage, it’s paying off.”
Attendees can gain insight from Google leaders who will offer insights on current digital shopping trends and how they will correlate to Nationwide members. Additionally, Site on Time and RWS will lead a session on a number of different digital tactics, while Nationwide’s own PriMetrix tools will be on full display.
“Retailers must have an e-commerce-enabled website that delivers,” adds Jennifer Danko, vice president of technology for Nationwide Marketing Group’s Site on Time. “E-commerce sales are expected to grow to over $834 billion in 2021. With more shoppers looking to buy large-ticket items for their homes online, ensuring that a dealer’s website can provide a streamlined and pleasant shopping experience is crucial to winning their share of this growing revenue stream.”
Virtual PrimeTime will also include over 100 hours of educational content highlighting various business practices including social media, business services, leadership, training and education, marketing, emerging opportunities and more – all of which would be almost impossible to absorb in just three days, which is why Nationwide is offering nearly all of these sessions on demand for up to a month after the show.
PrimeTime Palooza will be making a comeback in a new app-based and nearly 1,400 representatives from across the vendor partner community will be on hand to provide buying support to dealers during expo hours. Some other can’t-miss sessions include Nationwide ‘s Post-Palooza Party with special celebrity guest Dana Carvey on Tuesday and a St. Patrick’s Day Social Hour on Wednesday.
The grand finale of Virtual PrimeTime will be Nationwide’s $100,000 giveaway, which will be shared by 20 lucky members.
To learn more or view the full agenda, visit www.nationwideprimetime.com.
Jessica is the Chief Digital Editor for CT Lab Global Media, the North American platform for IFA Berlin.
