Merchandising VP and “Storytime” host Chad Evans read from the Stampede book of deals.
By Andy Kriege, YSN
A highlight of every BrandSource expo is the Stampede, a popular power-hour when members vie for limited-quantity, show-special deals.
Virtual or not, this year’s unconventional Convention was no exception, with Merchandising VP Chad Evans taking the “Main Stage” on Sunday to reveal a bevy of hot deals following AVB CEO Jim Ristow’s rousing State of the Union address.
While some of the eye-popping pageantry of past Stampede events was missing, there was no shortage of great buying opportunities in the digital Stampede Book. In addition, Evans introduced the members to a number of new vendor partners and programs featuring an array of new products and services.
According to Chief Marketing Officer John White, the virtual Stampede experience proved flawless. “The platform performed exceptionally well — the chat forums worked great, and the order forms worked perfectly,” he said. “We spent a lot of time designing that platform and it paid off.”
Added CEO Jim Ristow, “It really did exceed our expectations. We will use some of this technology going forward whether or not the event is in-person.”
Besides conducting the buying event within an all-virtual setting, Evans and the Merchandising team were challenged by the tight inventory environment, which stems from COVID-related supply-chain interruptions and unheralded consumer demand for home goods.
“Every time we hold the Stampede our goal is to provide some additional savings on select products for dealers,” Evans told YSN. “With all of the inventory shortages, this was a tall task this time around.”
Nonetheless, “We had some good offers and we hope that the products purchased will help BrandSource dealers to have a little more profitability,” Evans said.
We’re sure they will Chad. Thanks for rounding up another herd of margin-enhancing, revenue-driving Stampede deals!
For all things Convention related, visit the 2020 Convention section of YSN.
BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, mattress, furniture and CE dealers.