High-impact, quality tools and seminars are the highlights for Retailers and Vendors
MONTREAL, March 20, 2014 /CNW/ - Cantrex Nationwide participated in its second annual PrimeTime! tradeshow and conference hosted in conjunction with Nationwide Marketing Group between March 8 -11 at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada connecting close to 300 Canadian member retailers with vendors across multiple categories. PrimeTime! is a unique event that allows independent retailers from the appliance, furniture, bedding, consumer electronics, photography, floor covering and home decor sectors to network with industry peers and meet with key vendors. Attendees discovered new industry trends and opportunities by participating in training seminars and member driven panel discussions on relevant topics affecting retailers.
"We are thrilled that so many retailers and vendors from across the country attended our flagship event and participated in our comprehensive seminars designed to enhance retail operations, from point of sales systems to digital marketing strategies," said Jeannine Ghaleb, Chief Operating Officer at Cantrex Nationwide. "A standout seminar, given by Canadian banking and taxation specialists and a business coach, provided compelling advice on planning and structuring business operations when faced with succession planning – a reality for all independent retailers."
"PrimeTime! has all the tools to help grow business for both members and vendors. It is truly a must-see event," said Paul Tougas Jr., President of Night and Day Furniture, based in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec.
"Our members were unanimous, from the Gala to a focus on the Canadian retailer, we delivered above and beyond member expectations at this year's show," said Jim Mahoney, Vice President at Cantrex Nationwide.
The kick-off event was a Gala dinner hosted by Cantrex Nationwide, where awards were given for outstanding performance by retailers and vendors in each product category. In addition, a special recognition was given to Les Meubles Marchand inc. and Whirlpool Canada for their excellence in business. Renowned experimentalist Gerard Senehi was on hand providing attendees with an unforgettable evening filled with the unexpected.
In the three days that followed, participants attended in-depth seminars by leading industry experts on business succession and tax planning in both English and French. Other educational courses and panel discussions were also available and touched on key subjects such as sales techniques, store operations and marketing in the digital age.
"The seminars we attended in Las Vegas at PrimeTime! covered many hot topics that are vital for our businesses," said Patrick Périgny, President Centre HIFI, Rouyn-Noranda, Québec.
In addition to the learning component of PrimeTime!, the show provided many deals and vendor promotions to retailers. An example of the savings that retailers could benefit from was the "Cash Back Now" program that provided instant money back on show-floor purchases.
"Appliance vendors had all of their key and new products on display, and members walked away feeling good about the direction of the appliance industry," said John Garey, Assistant Vice President Appliances, Cantrex Nationwide.
"They say that you should take time to work 'on' your business instead of 'in' your business and PrimeTime! is the place to do just that," said Chris Odishaw, Cantrex member for over 20 years and President of Battleford Furniture Ltd. in Battleford, Saskatchewan.
"Of course the resounding success of the show was thanks to the enthusiastic participation from our members and vendors," said Ghaleb. "They continue to place their trust in us and keep pushing our limits so that we consistently provide top-quality, turnkey retailer solutions."
About Cantrex Nationwide Group
Cantrex Nationwide Group Inc, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, is an independent division of US based Nationwide Marketing Group. Founded in 1960, Cantrex Nationwide was acquired by Nationwide Marketing Group in May 2012. The combined entity is the largest buying and marketing group of its kind in North America and is comprised of independent furniture, household appliance, bedding, consumer electronics, photography, floor covering and home decor retailers. With more than 1,200 retail outlets in Canada, Cantrex Nationwide produces an estimated $2.53 billion in annual retail sales. It provides its members with stronger buying power and an extensive array of advertising, educational, online marketing and financial programs and services. In addition to its headquarters in Montreal, Cantrex Nationwide has regional offices in Toronto and Vancouver. For more information, visit www.cantrex.com
SOURCE: Cantrex Nationwide
Laird Greenshields, Morin Public Relations, 514 393-3252 , Cell: 514 464-3252, [email protected] ; Jessica Caruso, 514-906-6100, [email protected]
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