Spring 2018 Hardlines Strategies

MARKET PREVIEW

Can’t-Miss Products THE 24 returns to offer the best industry snapshot for the coming seasons. These 24 items, selected by Blish-Mize, can be had with tremendous deals during Market hours only. Orders qualify for prize tickets when submitted at participating vendor booths. New and Improved Every year, the What’s New!? area gives you a look at some new products. Scope out what your store could feature in the coming year, and take some time to meet the new vendors at their booths. Friday Fun Kansas City is home to some of the world’s best barbecue. Jack Stack Barbecue will be on hand at 6 p.m. Friday to offer some of the finest meats and sides. Rounding out the entertainment and fun will be the band Soca Jukebox and its unique island blend of all-time favorites!

The app also allows you to click on your sales rep’s name and make an appointment to meet with them or any team members while at the show. You can even include information about what you’d like to discuss during that meeting. “The Markets are a great time to connect with our entire team. This makes the experience far more personal,” Drury says. The Market app also includes information about the venue and different Market specials and programs. It can send you reminders of things you won’t want to miss, such as vendor demonstrations and meal times. You can even add your own information to the event schedule, or create a personal to-do list. The app will include a map of the Overland Park area and a list of landmarks and important destinations. “Our goal is to make Buying Markets as easy and worthwhile as possible for our customers. This technology will

definitely assist in maximizing their Market experience,” says Drury. If you haven’t already, download the Blish-Mize Product Catalog app, which lists real-time product and inventory information and even has UPC barcode- scanning capabilities and customizable sorting options that show your personalized purchase information. You can place orders from your smartphone or tablet, at the Buying Market or in your store. Just search “Blish-Mize” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Awesome Assortments There’s nothing like seeing how a new addition or update could look in your store, and the returning Assortment Central area offers just that. Find popular displays and see some merchandising techniques across a variety of categories, all while taking advantage of Market-exclusive discounts and deals on the latest product lines.

Your Market Bucket List We’ve put together a list of what you can’t miss at the Spring Buying Market. Take note of what’s listed and how each of these items can help you take full advantage of what the Buying Market can offer you and your business. 1. Most Valuable Profits (MVP) Event 2. Margin+ Coupons 3. Assortment Central 4. Items From THE 24 5. What’s New!? Product Section 6. Speakers and Educational Sessions

7. Friday Fun With BBQ and Music 8. Trying Out the New Market App

for more information call: 1.800.262.5710 or visit: usetwp.com

22 Spring 2018 • Hardlines Strategies