Scenes from a True Value Reunion

Chicago -- True Value's Fall Reunion here showcased what the co-op called the "Value of Wow," including an adrenaline-pumping million-dollar merchandise giveaway.

The first of four winners of a $250,000 product giveaway was drawn Friday afternoon during the co-op's General Session. When his store was picked at random, Brooks (Oregon) True Value's owner described himself as "kind of pumped up."

True Value executives pumped up the crowd of member dealers with a variety of programs -- an every day low price intitiative, new and improved paint offerings, employee training and growth in brand awareness. CEO John Hartmann pumped up the crow by welcoming  new and returning members -- Busy Beaver Home Centers (new) and Clark True Value of Saginaw, Michigan (returning).

Against a backdrop of growing competition and change customers, Hartmann offered the following key takeaways. "First, we are truly on a journey together," he said. "We are not in the no-change lane or even the incremental change lane. We are squarely right where we need to compete in today's retail marketplace -- in the transformational lane." 

He ended his comments on a note of togetherness. "A lot of companies call themselves family," Hartmann said. "This is family. Tothether, there is no limit to what we can achieve."  

New products on the Reunion show floor at McCormick Place included a Shark Tank innovation area.

True Value's True Blue programs are designed to help retailers improve their assortments. "Research shos the single-most important thing you can do is address your in store assortments," said Ken Goodgame, True Value senior VP of merchandising. 

A True Value spokeswoman explains the deep-discount Wow deals available throughout the Reunion show floor. 

Product and merchandise ideas ranged from LBM to household chemicals.