By Moe Lastfogel Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer Eight years, or 96 issues ago, Chuck Edmonds had a plan. Little did he or anyone else know what would come of it. But it was his turn to relax and watch somebody else run around like a madman in this industry of retail, design and construction. I figure even now he is watching with a smile on his face as the team here at The Retail Observer try to match what he and Lee Boucher were able to accomplish within their means years ago. With a digital camera in hand (although they still printed the pictures for scanning), a notebook and a computer (only for typing, as nothing was ever saved) these two men started something big and had no idea where it was going or would end up. Thanks for the exercise guys, we are now running at a full stride with no finish line in site. Since July of 2007, we have brought The Retail Observer into a new era of being. It has grown from a 32-page regional news rag (as it has been lovingly called for years) of 6,000 subscribers to a truly international (37 countries) industry standard B2B publication with well over 23,000 followers. I’d like to take the time to publicly and personally thank Eliana Barriga (Publisher), Terry Price (Art Director), Market Digitally with Michelle (Website), Vmags Media Solutions (Digital Issue), Walsworth (Printing) and of course all of our advertisers, writers, buying groups, trade associations, trade shows and others who have helped make The Retail Observer what it is today. But especially to you—our loyal readers—without whom we would have no reason to keep running year after year, issue after issue. Thank you, Moe Lastfogel [email protected]
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By Moe Lastfogel Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer According to Consumer Reports, one of the best places to buy large appliances is from Independent Local Retailers. Here are the retailers that came out best in their annual appliance-retailer satisfaction survey: MAJOR APPLIANCES • Abt Electronics: Superb selection is among the pluses that again landed Chicago area-based Abt and its 100,000-square-foot showroom on their large-appliance winners’ list. Abt delivers free within 100 miles of its store, and orders of $35 or more shipped within the continental U.S. are free also. • Independent Local Retailers: From a local mom-and-pop store,you might expect to like everything except the selection—the stores are smaller—and price. And that’s just what their readers said, praising the service, checkout, and everything beyond, such as installation. Another plus: Readers they surveyed thought most highly of the knowledgeable sales staffs, seconded closely by Abt. • Costco: Care just about price? This warehouse club, with hundred of stores was the only retailer to earn top marks for price. Its product selection got their readers’ lowest marks. • Nebraska Furniture Mart: This retailer uses its own trucks to deliver within a six-state region—and uses carrier services beyond the vicinity of its five stores. Respondents who shopped there gave top marks for selection and product quality, with price and checkout ease just a notch lower.” Based on this survey, the top places to buy appliances is from you – our readers, The Independent Local Retailer. The biggest reason is due to the level of knowledge and service you provide your customers. We hope that the news, education from our writers and partners that we provide you each and every month helps keep you up to date on the latest trends in your industry and keeps you at the top of your game. Congratulations to everyone for a job well done. Happy Retailing, Moe Lastfogel [email protected] |
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December 2021
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