Orgill points to positive market feedback

Orlando, Fla. -- During its Spring Dealer Market hear, Orgill expanded its show floor to more than 750,000 sq. ft., including multiple model stores and a showcase area that introduced a new vivid Solutions paint area and a “Backyard Oasis” featuring outdoor living ideas.

Organizers said thousands of retailers from the United States, Canada and all over the world took part in the market, which drew to a close March 1.

“In almost every way, this show provided something new and inspiring to our customers,” said Ron Beal, Orgill’s chairman, president and CEO. “The positive feedback from our attendees provides the motivation for our entire team to continue to think of new and innovative solutions and assortments that will help make our customers successful retailers in their marketplaces.”

The new Outdoor Living showcase, called “The Great Outdoors….Backyard Oasis,” showed both national and private-label brands in a designated display. Marked by a large pergola and outdoor kitchen, it gave Orgill customers access to view expanded outdoor living lines and services merchandised in a real-world environment.

Similarly, in the paint area, dominant assortments were on display as more than 12,000 items filled shelves in the vivid Solutions showcase.

While model stores are a regular feature of the Orgill markets, a new one -- called Everglade Building Materials -- made its debut in Orlando with a retail footprint of nearly 4,800 sq. ft.

“As housing construction continues to climb and builder confidence starts to rebound, many customers are looking for merchandising and product assortments to help capitalize on the break in the market,” said Jeff Curler, Orgill’s VP advertising and dealer promotions. “The model focused on helping retailers get ideas on how to merchandise and stock their stores in order to get contractors in and out of their stores conveniently. We also wanted our pro customers to understand that we have the solutions they need to embrace their business, and this model store definitely did not disappoint.”

The show also featured Kodial Trail Hardware and Supply, a 13,900-sq.-ft. comprehensive North American hardware store, and Cobblestone Hardware, which demonstrated a spring and summer focus.

“We always come and check out the discount opportunities first,” said Harold and Susan Tauber, owners of Glen Park Hardware in San Francisco. “We really like this closeout; it helps us get some really great values to expand our promotional activity to our customers.”