TRUE VALUE RETAILERS RECHARGE, RECONNECT, REACH FOR GROWTH AT FALL REUNION
September 20, 2013
CHICAGO, Sept. 20, 2013 – The exhibit floor of True Value Company’s Fall Reunion buzzed with palpable excitement when the hall opened to retailers today, in the co-op’s hometown of Chicago. Reunion, which runs through Sunday, Sept. 22, unites more than 10,000 True Value retailers, suppliers, prospects and associates in a more inspirational way, as the co-op shares best practices and retail knowledge to help its retailers stay relevant and win with customers.
At Fall Reunion, retailers are hearing and experiencing powerful new branding, which was unveiled this spring, in the revitalized Reunion experience.
“We think retailers are going to find our Fall Reunion invigorating, energetic, interactive and engaging, which is an experience like no other,” said Blake Fohl. “It perfectly reflects where our brand is going. When translated to the independent stores, it will appeal to the new consumers we’re attracting — young, tech-savvy DIYers who know what they want and will depend on their local True Value to help them succeed.”
Beginning with Fall Reunion, retailers have several new ways to recharge, reconnect and feel inspired to reach and grow through best practices and shared success. Retailers get an early start with new show hours on the first day (7 a.m.), and interact in a “town center” common area — with the look and feel of a small town park square — for entertainment, education and networking. These educational and networking opportunities help retailers create even stronger connections with one another and their customers, empowering members to translate this knowledge and the Reunion experience to the store level.
The co-op is also making its retailers lives simpler, both on the floor at Reunion and back at their stores, with the introduction of two mobile apps. The Reunion app provides users with a virtual and interactive overview of the entire Fall Reunion experience, making it easier to navigate both in person and online. Users can also use the Reunion app to talk with each other, watch videos, learn about the events taking place in the New Town Center, and check out some handy maps of McCormick Place — all right on their handheld device.
The Netwarehouse Special Order app allows retailers to look up items from the Reunion or store floor with a simple barcode scan or search. The app’s consumer-friendly views display retail member price, color images and descriptions. Retailers can even add product to a shopping cart for special order delivery right to their store.
In addition to mobile technology, video booths positioned around the exhibit floor engage retailers, spurring them to capture and share their “true stories” for a more interactive and exciting experience.
“Re-branding our market to ‘reunion’ reinforces our brand positioning and is a celebration of the True Value family. The emotional connections we make at Reunion with our retailers, vendors and support team are carried home to thousands of communities across the country, and connects life with our customers daily,” Fohl said.
About True Value Company
True Value Company, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperatives. The True Value cooperative represents independent retailer locations worldwide with retail sales in their communities totaling approximately $5.5 billion. Store identities include True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental, Party Central, Home & Garden Showplace and Induserve Supply. Additional information on True Value Company and its retail identities is available at www.truevaluecompany.com.