Merchandise matters in Chicago

Denver, Colorado-based PRO Group, the merchandising and marketing organization that acts as a buying group for distributors, counted 95 manufacturers and 42 member distributors at its recent Group Merchandising Conference in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside of Chicago. During the course of the three-day event that ended June 22, business was discussed and transacted at more than 2,000 30-minute meetings.           

“New business possibilities were uncovered in partnership with Group Vendors exhibiting at the event, new peer relationships were facilitated and Group growth opportunities were identified during the three-day event,” said Steve Synnott, President and CEO at PRO Group. “This event was the first time Reliable Member Distributors came together with PRO Group to make it the most successful event PRO Group has ever produced.”

PRO Goup’s operating units include PRO Hardware, Reliable Distributors, GardenMaster, Farm Mart and Golden-Link. Throughout the network there are some 80 distributors operating more than 140 distribution centers.

“I was impressed with the energy and positive vibe from the entire group. The vendor community was as prepared as I have seen them,” said Mike Dawson, retail sales manager at Horizon Distribution, one of the group’s member distributors. “We had very productive meetings throughout and that should result in numerous growth opportunities for both [Horizon] and many vendors.”                                                 

Other comments:

“Working together we all win. That was the overwhelming attitude from vendors and distributors alike.”

-- Jeff Clapp, COO of General Hardware Distributors, a former Reliable distributor

“The event was very well done and the members were engaged and ready to do business. It was a very cost-effective way to reach a number of quality prospects in a short period of time.”

-- Roger Woodward, president of Alliance Distribution Partners,