Big Data’s Role in Reshaping Independent Retail
Nationwide’s new PriMetrix performance insight platform captures actionable consumer data for independent retailers.
COVID-19: The Great Equalizer in U.S., European Shopping Behaviors
Forecasts for 2021 see e-commerce sales continuing to rise in both North America and Europe.
LG Expands All-In-One LED Display Category
On the heels of its popular 130-inch All-in-One LED display, LG Business Solutions USA has expanded the category with a brand new 136-inch model that is even easier to install and portable when integrated with an optional mobile stand.
ProSource Adds 10 New Members in Q3 2020
ProSource has added 10 new CI members in the third quarter, representing $55.1 million in new revenue, year to date.
Replicating the In-Store Experience Online… AR/VR is Looming for Retail
This pandemic has obviously done a ton of damage to retailers the world over, but one of the few silver linings might wind up...
21st Century Distributing Announces New Nashville Location
21st Century Distributing, the premier consumer electronics distributor serving the Southeast and PowerHouse Alliance member, announces the grand opening of its new location in...
Nationwide Partners With CEDIA To Broaden Learning Platforms
Nationwide Marketing Group, reportedly the largest buying group in the industry, which provides marketing and business support for retailers, and CEDIA, long known for its strength in training the residential integration industry, are joining together. This partnership will provide Home Technology Specialists Nationwide (HTSN) dealers access to a well-rounded education platform.
Time for Some Social Responsibility in 2021
The term “corporate social responsibility” or CSR is one we are seeing tossed around a lot of late. And it is becoming a pretty prevalent one in the retail world. More and more retailers are realizing that giving back doesn’t just make the world a better place, it can also be good for business.
International Perspectives: Continental Climate Concerns
The EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan aims to do away with planned obsolescence by encouraging manufacturers to design products that can be repaired and upgraded more easily.
Retailers Back Small Business Comeback Act
The National Retail Federation welcomed legislation recently introduced that would give small businesses new coronavirus pandemic assistance that could be used to pay expenses...
RowOne Inks Deals with Best Buy, Nationwide
RowOne also announces substantial progress with HTSA, the AiN Group and AVB/BrandSource CE/CI channel dealers since the brand’s relaunch just six months ago, and RowOne makes a strong case for the title of ‘The Most Successful CE/CI Vendor Brand Launch of the Pandemic Year.'
The 3 Secrets of Great Marketing Experiences
Most discussions about customer experience deal with things that happen after the purchasing decision has been made, but the actual experience starts long before...
Over 150M Plan to Shop on Super Saturday
More than 150 million U.S. consumers plan to shop on Super Saturday this year, up slightly from 147.8 million in 2019, according to the annual survey released today by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
NRF to Retail Leaders: Time to Enact Pro-Growth Policies
The NRF feels that now that the election has been decided, it is time to get back to work enacting pro-growth policies and rebuilding our economy.
Nationwide Virtual PrimeTime Prepares Members to “Outwork. Outwit. Outwin.”
Three-day virtual Nationwide Virtual PrimeTime business conference promises to deliver the same world-class education, deals and networking opportunities that retailers have come to expect from PrimeTime — and a chance to win a $100K store makeover.
NATM Q&A: Satoren Views This & Next Year
Jerry Satoren, Executive Director, NATM, provides Dealerscope with a look at the group’s annual Member Conference, which just took place in virtual format, and looks at business as it is and as it is shaping up for 2021.
LG Launches Immersive DigiTour 3D Showroom for Businesses of All Sizes,...
It’s no longer just about having a strong e-commerce strategy anymore; it’s about creating an entire digital experience. LG has taken this exact approach with its new DigiTour 3D showroom.
Tech to Play Key Role in Growth of Smart Cooking Appliances...
The global household cooking appliances market is growing at a steady pace and this is an outcome of multiple trends and drivers that are...
Omnichannel Strategies: Why Direct Mail Is the Anti-Email Marketing Channel
Email has a place in your marketing strategy. It is the most common and cheapest way to keep in touch with prospects and customers. But it’s also a low-impact channel. People see it in their inboxes and maybe read 1 out of 10 messages you send them.
Carousel Cloud Digital Signage Opens Retail Conversations
iSpace Environments, a Minneapolis-based commercial furniture and technology dealership, is now using Carousel Digital Signage software to promote its services and amplify its message...
Contactless Credit Cards & Mobile Payments Increase Despite Cost, Security Concerns
With consumers worried about touching surfaces during the coronavirus pandemic, the use of mobile payments and contactless credit or debit cards has significantly increased...
Curacao to Pay $10.5 Million to Settle Customer Defrauding Lawsuit
Curacao stores agreed to pay $10.5 million to settle a lawsuit by the California attorney general's office, which alleged that the retailer defrauded its customers with deceptive advertising and illegal financing.
Free Social Media Assets, How-To Guides for Nationwide Members
Having a sound and strong social media strategy can go a long way toward helping a small business stand out – both in its...
Pro AV, eSports Among New Opps D&H’s Solutions Enablement Team is...
D&H’s subject matter experts leverage real-world expertise to help partners win new opportunities in pro AV, eSports, remote learning, and security.
Driving Real Traffic with Virtual Tours
Virtual tours can be a powerful branding tool, but they aren’t something retailers always consider in their marketing efforts. A research study conducted by the International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management in May 2020 found that virtual tours enhanced store equity and promoted store visit intentions.
Geo-Conquesting: Mobile Marketing on Your Competitor’s Turf
New advancements in geofencing now allow you to target shoppers visiting your competitors’ brick-and-mortar locations in real time.
Buy Now, Pay Later Gains Steam as Sezzle Partners With GameStop
Sezzle Inc., Buy Now, Pay Later solutions provider, has announced a partnership with GameStop to provide the world's largest retailer of video games access to its flexible and innovative digital payment solution.
BrandSource To Revisit Virtual Format for Summit 2021
AVB/BrandSource is returning to the Internet for its first major trade event of next year: Summit 2021.
AVB’s ‘Full Stack’ Boosts Members’ Ecommerce Tool Kit
The webinar outlined a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering members’ e-commerce and digital marketing skills during the pandemic.
Bosch Highlights Climate Action & AIoT for Sustainable Solutions at CES...
Bosch unveils its offerings related to AIoT, health & wellness, climate action and mobility at CES 2021.
Dealerscope Insider Talk: Providing Essential Tech in a Changing Consumer Environment
“We don’t look at selling a product, we look at selling a solution,” said New Age Electronics' President, Fred Towns when asked what makes...
Imports Set New Record as Retailers Replenish Inventories
Imports reached an all-time high this summer as retail sales bounced back from the pandemic and merchants replenished inventories and stocked up early for the holiday season, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Putting the Customer at Ease
Experiential retailing and hybrid experiences are just part of the shopping journey consumers want to take.
Retailers Continue to Adjust to Changes in Shopping Habits
Consumer behavior now more of a moving target than ever.
Google, AVB Marketing Webinar Provides Furniture Dealers Checklist
In the first of a three-day complimentary series of 30-minute webinars this week, Google and AVB Marketing offered home furnishings retailers a checklist of digital essentials to remain competitive in a pandemic-impacted marketplace.
Distributor Audio America Announces Company Name Change to Next Level Distribution
CE and 12V premium products distributor Audio America has announced it will now be operating under the company name Next Level Distribution, LLC.
NRF: Pandemic Recession Could be Easing, but ‘No One Has Crystal...
The economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has officially been declared a recession, but National Retail Federation Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said...
How the New Normal Has Shaped Warranty Sales
Dealerscope’s collection of warranty executive comments this month center around each company’s strategies for 2021 in answer to the challenges and changing market dynamics presented by the ongoing pandemic.
NRF Foundation Introduces COVID-19 Trainings to Aid Retail Employees
The NRF Foundation recently launched two new credentials in its RISE Up program in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The credentials focus on Retail Operations and Customer Conflict Prevention to further ensure retail workers — and the millions of customers they serve — can work and shop more safely and help keep the economy open.
Catalyst AV & The Edge Group Form Strategic Alliance
The Catalyst AV distribution network of nine independent CE distributors serving the residential and pro AV channels, and The Edge Group, a distributor-owned buying...
OnPoint Details the Future of Warranty on Insider Talk
On Episode 6 of Dealerscope’s Insider Talk Series, hosts Nancy Klosek and Tony Monteleone chatted with two representatives from OnPoint Warranty Solutions: Chris Smith,...
A Store Visit with Aaron Sholtis, President, HiDEF Lifestyle
Aaron Sholtis, Founder & President of HiDEF Lifestyle in Harrisburg, PA gives us an inside look at his showroom and tells us what makes his retail business unique from others.
Tonal Strikes a Deal with Nordstrom
Beginning in March, smart home fitness sensation, Tonal, will have a designated space in the women's activewear department of 40 Nordstrom locations across the United States.
Nationwide & ePodium Partner in E-Commerce Strategy
Nationwide Marketing Group announced that it is partnering with Podium, an interaction management platform that works with more than 65,000 businesses worldwide, to help...
PLANOLY Launches Sellit, Turns Social Media into Instant Storefronts
PLANOLY, a social marketing platform trusted by over five million users, has introduced sellit. The new eCommerce solution helps small businesses and influencers turn...
Reaching Gen Z: The Internet-Raised, Brick and Mortar-Loyal Shoppers
As Millennials start turning 40 this year, this disruption is understood and accounted for in brand strategies – leading the next question to be, are brands and marketers better prepared for Gen Z?
DSI Releases New, Rebranded Website
DSI Systems Inc. has just released a new, revamped website - at dsisystemsinc.com - that the company...
Harnessing the Power of Clubhouse for Your Business
Because Clubhouse is still so new, it is not yet saturated with an abundance of ads, sponsorships, and influencers, but that time could be coming soon. Get in early, establish yourself and your brand, and you might just see some significant results.
NRF Expects Holiday Sales to Grow Between 3.6 and 5.2 Percent
With retail sales rebounding strongly due to continued consumer resilience, the National Retail Federation has forecast that holiday sales during November and December will increase between 3.6 percent and 5.2 percent over 2019 to a total between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion.
Almo Professional A/V & SpinetiX Enter Distribution Partnership
Almo Professional A/V has announced a new distribution partnership with digital signage solutions company SpinetiX.
IBM Study: Consumers Remain Unsettled Amidst COVID-19
The most recent findings from an ongoing IBM Institute for Business Value (IBV) survey of U.S. consumers show that Americans remain concerned about returning...
NRF Calls on Retailers to Set Nationwide Mask Policy
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has issued the following statement encouraging all retailers to adopt a nationwide policy that requires customers to wear face...
Nationwide Shifts PrimeTime to All-Digital Format in October
Nationwide Marketing Group has announced that it is converting PrimeTime &ndndash; the industry’s largest buying, training and networking opportunity for independent retailers and vendors...
Retailers Report Rising Cases, Increased Losses from Theft
Organized retail crime is continuing to grow, with the number of dollars lost topping a key threshold for the fifth year in a row and three-quarters of retail companies that have been victims saying activity is up.
What E-Commerce’s Rise Means for Customer Support
The pandemic has permanently shifted consumer buying habits toward ecommerce, causing unprecedented demand for flexible customer support services.
Howard’s Names Smith SVP/Chief Merchant
Former Chief Merchandising Officer Carrie Smith is returning to the company’s senior leadership team in a new, expanded role.
‘Toy Fair Everywhere’ Virtual Market Week Opens July 13
The first-ever Toy Fair Everywhere virtual market week, hosted by The Toy Association, will kick off next Monday, July 13 and and run through...
Omnichannel Gift Card and Loyalty Program Solution From Factor4, AMP
Factor4, LLC, a provider of gift card and loyalty solutions for the SMB market, announces their partnership with AMP, a global provider of POS...
The Quest Group Announces Promotions, Continues ‘Evolution’
In keeping with its "ongoing state of evolution," The Quest Group, parent company of AudioQuest and GoldenEar Technology, has announced key promotions from within its ranks.
Doddle Provides Free E-Commerce Returns Portal for Retailers
Doddle, an international e-commerce solutions provider that designs, develops and integrates consumer fulfillment and returns technology, announces that it has launched a free Digital...
Nationwide Marketing Group Taps John O’Halloran to Lead Luxury Appliance Efforts
O’Halloran, who spent the past year in the field for Nationwide Marketing Group, will work with vendor partners to evolve the group’s premium and luxury appliance offerings.
D&H Sees Double-Digit Growth in Retail, PC Gaming a Force
D&H Distributing, a provider of consumer, home networking, and SMB technologies to the North American channel, has announced it has seen double-digit growth in retail sales in 2020.
For the Retail Apocalypse, March Came in Like a Lion, Out...
For Retail Apocalypse, March came in like a lion, out like a lamb as omnichannel retailers like Best Buy, Target, Walmart and others leaned into pandemic pivots.
Next Level CEO to Discuss Growth and Changes on Insider Talk
This Wednesday, March 31 at 1 p.m. EST, Dealerscope will welcome Jonathan Elster, CEO of Next Level Distribution, for an episode of Insider Talk hosted lived on Dealerscope's Facebook page. The trio will discuss the recent changes and exciting new developments happening now at Next Level Distribution.
AVB Marketing & Google Team to Offer Digital Insights for Furniture...
Google has partnered with AVB Marketing, the advertising, e-commerce and digital marketing arm of buying group AVB Inc., to share pre-holiday insights...
Instacart Launches Same-day Delivery of Best Buy Products Nationwide
Instacart, the North American online grocery delivery service, has announced a new nationwide partnership with Best Buy to offer same-day delivery from nearly all Best Buy locations across the U.S.
DSI Announces Partnership with Inspire
DSI has announced a new partnership with Inspire. This partnership will give DSI dealers the opportunity to offer clean energy solutions to their customers...
Kwikset Introduces Covid-19 Dealer Support Program
Kwikset, a residential lock manufacturer, has introduced a new “COVID-19 Dealer Support Program.” Created to provide actionable and relevant support, the program includes specific...
Distributor Stampede Rebrands as Exertis
Distributor Stampede has announced that its operations in the U.S., Canada and Latin America are rebranding as Exertis. According to President &...
Industry Comes Together During One Very Crazy Year
You’ve dealt with a global pandemic, the subsequent weakening of the economy and a tumultuous presidential election. Other than that, it has been a very routine, kinda quiet year.
3 Keys to Delivering a Great Customer Experience During the Pandemic
Meeting customer expectations during a pandemic requires flexibility in mindset and cross-functional cooperation to deliver uninterrupted service in a fast-changing environment.
Consumers Prioritize Spending on Family, Friends Ahead of Holiday Season
Purchasing gifts for friends and loved ones is a way for consumers to shift focus from the uncertainty and stress of the pandemic to celebrating the holidays and the promise of our return to a better tomorrow.
Australia Lags Behind in Online Retailing But ‘Dark Stores’ Concept Gains...
COVID-19 has most certainly challenged Australia’s retail industry, but it has also provided opportunities and lessons in new ways to meet customer demand. IBIS explains that despite the pandemic, the retail industry remained the third biggest industry in the country in 2020.
Retailers Welcome Passage of Bipartisan Fiscal Stimulus Deal
The National Retail Federation issued a statement from President and CEO Matthew Shay in response to the recent Congressional passage of the Emergency Coronavirus Relief Act of 2020.
Video & Audio Center Showcases LG OLED Tech, Front & Center
Video & Audio Center has instituted a new department in all five of its stores that highlights the LG OLED TV lineup.
Exertis Appoints van Kerkvoorde for Ztorm
In this new position, van Kerkvoorde will aim to enable Exertis Ztorm’s partners to drive digital growth towards consumers within gaming and other software products.
CT Lab Looks to Honor Black Leaders in Consumer Tech
CT Lab Global Media is looking to recognize the black professionals in tech who have propelled their company and the industry forward, and have served as inspirations and mentors along the way in the first Black Leaders in Consumer Tech Awards.
AVB Marketing Sets Feb. 2 for E-Tail Tools Forum
“The Full Stack” hour-long marketing and technology forum will unveil a host of innovations to enhance the online shopping experience.
Tanger Outlets Launches Virtual Shopper Concierge Service
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc., has announced the launch of an innovation to the outlet shopping experience, a virtual shopping concierge service that gives...
Fry’s Electronics is Going Out of Business
After 36 years of serving the consumer electronics sector, Fry's Electronics is shutting its doors for good. The company has cited "changes in the retail industry" and "challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic" as the reasons behind this decision.
5 Retail Trends to Watch in 2021
The effects on customer behavior that have been learned over the course of the last year are unlikely to be unlearned overnight – and some changes that went into effect during the pandemic period may not go away at all.
Nordic Region Leads Global Pandemic Recovery
Swift, decisive action in spring by all the Scandinavian countries allowed for prosperous summer months.
NATM Elects Scott Hymas as President
RC Willey’s Hymas returns to the position he held at the buying group after a three-year sabbatical, taking the reins from PC Richard & Son’s Gregg Richard.
The Future of Retail Revealed at IFA RETAIL NEXT
Retail has a future, but what will it look like? How can retailers benefit from changing consumer behaviors? Why do digital shoppers still visit...
A Store Visit with John Riddle, CEO, Howard’s
In this Retail on the Run feature, Editor in Chief, Tom Samilijan, sits down with Howard's CEO John Riddle on the 75th anniversary of the first store opening.
PreciTaste Intros Retail AI Welcome Center Kiosk
PreciTaste has created a cost-effective, user-friendly health-check kiosk: the AI Welcome Center. Keeping up with the quick-pace of retail, the Welcome Center is perfect...
MetraAV Partners with Evolution for Canadian Distribution
MetraAV has entered into a new partnership with Evolution Home Entertainment Corporation to serve as the company's master distributor in Canada. Now, MetraAV and its entire family of brands will be available to more than 500 of Evolution’s dealers and retailers throughout Canada.
CTA Report: 86% of Shoppers Plan Black Friday Week Tech Gift...
CTA research shows that from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, 86% of U.S. shoppers plan to buy tech devices, accessories and/or streaming services.
Preparing to Meet the Rising Tide of Early Adopters
The customer support industry must focus on developing new approaches that increase agents' mastery of emerging technologies to be ready to serve these new early adopters.
NPD Report: Basic 5G Awareness Reaches Masses
An NPD report says the majority of U.S. consumers are aware of 5G and the promise of super-fast data transmissions that enable superior multimedia streaming and enhanced gaming experiences on mobile devices.
BrandSource Mobilizes Service Industry with ‘Service Day’ Virtual Event
BrandSource has formed a National Service Committee comprised of dealers and AVB staff.
A Store Visit with Leon Temiz, CEO, Electronics Expo
Leon Temiz, CEO, Electronics Expo details his store's history, the top three things he's done that contributed to his company's success, and what makes Electronics Expo different from other retailers in the consumer electronics space.
Nationwide PrimeTime Virtual Addresses the Shift to Digital
Nationwide is encouraging retailers who have divided their merchandising strategies between in-person showrooms and online sales portals to zero in on honing their digital marketing skills, in this new normal.
Amazon Pay Launches ‘Smart Stores’
Amazon Pay has announced the launch of “Smart Stores”; customers simply scan the store’s QR code using the Amazon app to begin exploring the...
Profits Surge After OnQ, Fred Meyer Redesign Home Electronics Retail
OnQ, engineer and manufacturer of custom retail displays, and supermarket chain, Fred Meyer, have expanded their partnership to improve customer experiences throughout Fred Meyer's network of retail stores across the western United States.
Retail Sees Encouraging July Increases
Retail sales continued to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic in July, growing more slowly than the month before but adding to...
NRF: As COVID Spikes, Economy Now Tested Daily
Despite broad indications that the economy has begun to recover as businesses reopen from the coronavirus pandemic, conflicting data makes it difficult to say...
Omnichannel Marketing in Action: Three Case Studies
No marketing virtue pays off quite as much as being focused on your target audience. While many businesses still use spray-and-pray marketing to beg...
Kanto Appoints Gemsen Distribution as Canadian Distributor
Powered audio products and mounting solutions provider Kanto Living has appointed Gemsen Distribution in Concord, Ontario, to serve the independent retail and custom integration...
Nationwide Launches Dedicated Performance Groups for Servicing Dealers
Nationwide peer groups provide networking support and exclusive training opportunities to members who service appliances.
Dealerscope Insider Talk: How Starpower Stays the Course in Retail
Dealerscope’s Insider Talk series, as part of Facebook Live, recently welcomed David Pidgeon, president and CEO of Dallas-based A/V retailer Starpower – a company that has grown into one of the country’s largest custom home electronics retailers.
CTA: Holiday Tech Spending to Rise 10% Over 2019 to $135...
CTA's study also found 81% of U.S. adults are more likely or just as likely to purchase tech products this holiday season – the COVID-19 pandemic notwithstanding.