True Value holds rental market
True Value recently held its 20th annual rental market in Orlando, Fla., attracting more than 350 rental operators from the hardware co-op’s rental-focused retail identities: Taylor Rental, Grand Rental Station, Party Central and Just Ask Rental.
Held Jan. 8 and 9, the rental market represented the first event of the year where participating True Value rental operators were able to preview the latest in rental gear, services and technology. Retailers exchanged ideas through seminars offered to help them stay relevant and profitable in today’s marketplace. More than 230 vendors exhibited at this year’s event.
The day before True Value’s rental market officially opened, rental operators participated in “Demo Day,” an outdoor event where they were able to check out vendors’ displays of some of their largest products -- from inflatable party jumpers and power tools, to cherry pickers and excavators. During Demo Day, vendor representatives were able to interact one-on-one with rental operators, answering questions on merchandise and providing first-hand training on how to safely handle, use and maintain the equipment. This year’s Demo Day attracted 73 vendor participants.
“True Value’s rental market gives rental operators access to the latest industry news and trends, providing them with the information they need to create, sustain and grow successful rental businesses,” said Michelle Henebry Finnigan, True Value’s director of rental business and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations). “In its 20th year, the rental market continues to be a well-attended event, as rental operators from all over the country come to take advantage of Demo Day, exceptional vendor programs and educational seminars that are great for peer networking.”
Each year at the rental market, True Value also honors vendors that have excelled during the past 12 months as “Vendors of the Year” in their respective categories. This year, the three vendors awarded this honor were: Eureka! Tents of Binghamton, N.Y., in the Party & Event category; Atlas Toyota Material Handling of Schiller Park, Ill., in the Tool & Equipment category; and JCB North America of Savannah, Ga., in the Construction category.