Omni Corporate Services Ltd. hosted the inaugural meeting of its new Luxury Products Group Jan. 28-30 at The Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Miami.
Pictured at the meeting: Gary Cedrone of Republic Plumbing with Oly Welke and Peter Ollestad of Strasser Woodenworks.
Omni's membership includes more than 200 wholesalers representing 500-plus locations, of which 80% operate showrooms focusing on high-end luxury products. Owners and their showroom managers must attend the yearly three-day conference meeting to qualify in the LPG or risk losing incentives and special programs.
More than 45 manufacturers offering bath, plumbing, kitchen and decorative hardware products participated with exhibits.
The event included special interest discussion groups such as:
“Transitioning from Wholesale to Showroom.” Don Smith of Central Arizona Supply moderated this session on how to successfully transition to a money-making showroom.
“Dealing with Customers.” Tonya Martin of Prosource LLC, served as moderator for this discussion on how to work with the trades and consumers and meet their expectations.
“How I Advertise.” Jeremy Smith of Central Arizona Supply led this session on how to drive traffic to the showroom by using various advertising tools, including co-op ads, and rotating displays.
“Internet and Big Box Sales.” Gary Cedrone of Republic Supply moderated a lively discussion that examined the Internet – is it friend or foe? The wholesalers in the audience did not perceive big-box stores as true competitors.
“Showroom Displays.” Jeremy Smith of Central Arizona Supply served as moderator of an interactive session that covered rotating and updating displays and more effectively merchandising bath, plumbing, kitchen and decorative hardware products.
“Switching Lines.” Don Smith of Central Arizona Supply facilitated a session on how to change the product lines carried in the showroom and how a wholesaler can benefit from working with the 45 Omni Luxury Product Group vendors.
The next vendor and showroom meeting of OMNI’s Luxury Products Group will be held at The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ, Jan. 27-29, 2011.
Omni is a member-owned group purchasing and marketing organization in the plumbing and heating industry.
