Orgill Spring 2018 Dealer Market Recap

Measuring in at about 1 million square feet of exhibit space, the Feb. 22-24 Orgill Spring Dealer Market attracted independent home improvement retailers from around the world. The Orlando event features vendors from across the industry, special buys and Market-only specials, networking opportunities, according to the Memphis-based hardware distributor.

“Our merchants and vendors have teamed up to add the items our customers want,” says Jeff Curler, senior VP of purchasing. “Many products are being offered at deeply discounted prices, and a number of our vendors are offering creative merchandising ideas to help retailers stand out from the competition.”

Around the perimeter of the Market floor are a number of promotional areas, including Door Busters, Pallet Buys, New Items and more. In these areas, attendees can shop for products at low, Market-only prices.

Outside the convention center itself, retailers can find the Outdoor Grilling Area, which made its debut at the Market last summer in Boston. This area highlights products from the outdoor living, grilling and tailgate categories.

Two particularly popular areas of the show floor are the concept stores, where two full-size model stores are set up, showcasing real-life displays, product assortments and merchandising techniques.

Central Tool & Building Supply is a pro-focused, 8,000-square-foot store that’s also 100-percent Canadian-compliant. Its primary niche is hand and power tools, but it also offers a deep selection of paint and sundries, plumbing, and electrical products.

The second concept store is Green River Hardware & Garden, which encompasses 15,000-square-foot and showcases space-saving techniques by stocking a 25,000 SKU count. Niches include outdoor power equipment, outdoor living and lawn and garden.

“Our customers are looking for ideas of how to use their space effectively, especially by best utilizing the footprint they currently have, rather than expanding,” says Phillip Walker, senior vice president of merchandising services. “In this model store, we’re showing them a number of solutions.”

Also popular are the Product Showcases. In Orlando, the focusis on construction fasteners, rental, impulse and worldwide sourcing. The seasonal flex showcase displays how retailers can adapt their assortments with the seasons to gain year-round sales.

Some of the educational opportunities include “Retail Pricing,” “Social Media in the Real World,” “Should You Sell on Amazon?” and “Why Loyalty Marketing Works.” Other clinics and workshops cover topics such as marketing tactics, strong in-store promotional efforts and cybersecurity.

Next up for Orgill: the Fall Dealer Market will be Aug. 23-25 at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas.

“We always look forward to our Dealer Markets because they give us the opportunity to interact with our customers and provide them with a wide range of products, programs and services to drive their businesses,” says Ron Beal, Orgill’s chairman, president and CEO. “We’re excited to share all that Orgill has to offer.”