Buying Desk program to boost Hardware Show

Orgill, Distribution America, Ace Hardware, True Value and Lancaster make up the list of co-ops/distributors signed up for the new Buying Desk Program so far, according to organizers of the National Hardware Show.

Independent retailers attending the May 10-12 event in Las Vegas will have instant access to new products introduced at the event  through the show’s new Buying Desk Program. On the flip side, suppliers attending the 2011 event will be able to sell products to independent retailers through their existing co-operative and distributor programs.

Exhibitors participating in the Buying Desk Program will have a counter card at their booth that says, “Independent Retailer Program.” In addition, each co-op/distributor will have a meeting room on site at the Las Vegas Convention Center where they can facilitate orders, network with retail customers and discuss products they do not currently stock in their distribution centers.

"I think the value of this program is that it will connect the dots between the manufacturer who is presenting his products to the industry, the retailer who may have not been exposed yet to those products, and the distributor who may or may not be stocking those products," said Dave Christmas, president of Distribution America.