Spring 2013 Hardlines Strategies

MARKET PREVIEW

Find More at the Mini-Store At the Fall Market last year you got your first look at the mini-store. This area, front and center on the Market floor, showcases some of Blish-Mize’s best assortments and merchandising ideas, arranged in a model-store format. While in the rest of the Market you may see a lot of individual vendors, the mini-store will show you how Blish-Mize can help you put them all together. This Market, the focus of the mini- store will be on updated assortments in the plumbing and electrical departments. “During much of my recent travel, several customers expressed interest in updating these departments, so we’re highlighting these categories at the Spring Market,” says Doug Long, Blish-Mize vice president of sales and marketing. Because no two stores are the same, you’ll have the option of 2-, 4-, 8-, 12- or 16-foot assortments in each of the plumbing and electrical categories. “These assortments will give our customers ideas of how we can create the best assortments for their stores,” says Don Miller, Blish-Mize marketing manager. “Through the RMS process, we can shop their markets to find what assortments they should be strong in. We can back that up with a signage program, endcap program, shelf talkers and promotions. All of that will be available in the model store, along with great prices to get started.” The store will also feature the Hardware House line, Blish-Mize’s private label products that offer quality, value and a good margin. “We’ll have the updated Hardware House assortments with a special emphasis on builders hardware and wire-goods assortments,” Long says. Besides product assortments, the mini- store will also spotlight the many programs and services Blish-Mize has to offer: • Signage. Every store needs clear signage if it’s going to be an inviting place to shop. See how Blish-Mize can help you design a low-cost, totally customizable sign program for your store. • Retail services. If you haven’t yet, now is the time to start saving time and

Schedule of Events: Friday, March 22, 2013 9 a.m. Market Opens 10-11 a.m.

Seminar: “Keys to Converting Bad Debt into Cash”

12-1 p.m. Lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch of Profits Buying Event 3-4 p.m. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mini-Store Deals & Reception 5 p.m. Strategies Coupon Cash Drawings 5:30 p.m. Market Closes 6-9 p.m. Customer Appreciation Event

Seminar: “Rough Plumbing and the New Lead-Free Laws”

Saturday, March 23, 2013 7:30-8 a.m.

Breakfast & Chris Cakes Pancake Challenge

8-8:30 a.m.

Assortments of Savings Event

8:30 a.m. Market Opens 9:30-10:30 a.m. Seminar: “Rough Plumbing and the New Lead-Free Laws” 12-1 p.m. Lunch 12:30-1:30 p.m. Lunch of Profits Buying Event 1:30-2:30 p.m. Seminar: “Keys to Converting Bad Debt into Cash” 2:45 p.m. Strategies Coupon Cash Drawings 3 p.m. Market Closes

money by investing in a computerized POS system. There will be several vendors there from which to choose. To make the ordering process even easier, check out the Remote Order Entry unit, now with updated software. • RPM. Retail Profit Management is a comprehensive program that covers market analysis, assortment planning, pricing, store design and more. If it’s been a while since you’ve reviewed this program, ask one of the Blish-Mize representatives to show you what it can do for your store. Easier Advertising After you’ve browsed the mini-store, stop by the Retail Services booth to learn about the new enhancements to the Blish- Mize AdStudio ad creation program.

“These updates represent the best upgrade to our state-of-the-art software to date,” says Jody Maude, advertising and communications manager for Distribution America. “Now it’s easier than ever to create circulars, fliers and new ads. New functionality allows you to add items, call outs, text and line lists without the confinements of the selected layout.” As a bonus to signing up for the Blish-Mize On-Demand Advertising program, you’ll also find ways to integrate your promotions into your social media sites, using the AdViewer module, at no additional charge. Information on the print programs, the New Mover program, the Repeat Rewards loyalty program and the website program will be available at the booth.

18 Spring 2013 • Hardlines Strategies