True Value holds spring market
True Value president and CEO Lyle Heidemann sent out a proactive message to co-op members at the spring market in Orlando, Fla., urging them to resist scaling back in a down economy and, instead, be aggressive in stocking product and investing in advertising and marketing campaigns.
“This is not the time to stop keeping the store in stock,” Heidemann said during the March 14 opening session. “We need to be ready when the consumer comes through the door that first nice spring weekend, or that customer is going to go somewhere else to shop.”
Recapping 2007, Heidemann said that sales were basically flat, with core hardware comparable-store sales up 1.6 percent and net margin up 1.2 percent after a one-time adjustment. The patronage dividend was up $4 million (or 7.7 percent), and equity increased almost 30 percent -- from $102.7 to $132.7
“All in all, not a bad year, but we clearly had some disappointments,” he said. “First, although our core hardware comparable stores were up 1.6 percent, we did not achieve our sales plan. Secondly, we did not achieve our fill rate goal of 96 percent.”
True Value has reduced its sales forecast for 2008 but is still predicting an increase. Heidemann said the co-op has seen a slight softening of sales overall in January and February but that it’s very regional, adding that unusual weather patterns have helped boost sales in northern tier stores.
Steve Mahurin, senior vp and chief merchandising officer, encouraged members to capitalize on trends in plumbing, electrical, seasonal, power tools, outdoor living and decorative hardware. He emphasized that raw materials price increases -- coupled with the devaluation of the dollar compared to such currencies as the Euro and Chinese Yuan -- has raised wholesale pricing, making it imperative that members adjust their retail prices accordingly.
“We are going to continue to push back, conduct line reviews and negotiate the best we can to help keep you as competitive as possible in this rising marketplace,” Mahurin said. “But you have to maintain your price changes on a weekly basis if you plan on maintaining your profitability.”
Stores were also encouraged to revisit their advertising plans and take advantage of additional TV and radio spots, online ads and public relations opportunities.
“In this tough economy, your competitors are going to be even more aggressive than usual as everyone competes for greater share of reduced consumer spending,” said Carol Wentworth, vp-marketing. “Take a critical look at your plan and make sure it's doing what you need it to do.”
Brad Gebbie, owner of Lyndonville Home Center in Lyndonville, Vt., appreciated the co-op’s efforts to remain positive, despite the economic downturn. “You can make good inroads by making sure you have the merchandise people need,” he said. “In a down economy, it’s a perfect time for people to remodel, and we can benefit from that.”
True Value’s spring market, being held at the Orange County Convention Center, runs through March 16.