BrandSource presents post-pandemic growth plan at 2022 convention

The buying group recommends raising service fees, updating POS and boosting marketing spend to maintain high profile

DALLAS — AVB BrandSource, rolled out a four-point plan last week designed to drive continued growth and share gains in a post-pandemic marketplace.

The easily adapted program, introduced at the furniture, electronics and appliance buying group’s convention in Dallas, is designed to spur further volume and traffic following a record two-and-a-half-year run, when the group’s appliance, furniture, mattress and consumer electronics dealers worked overtime to accommodate high demand and chalked up average sales increases of over 50%.

AVB CEO Jim Ristow presents a pathway to growth in his BrandSource Convention keynote.

But in a current environment marked by higher costs, rising interest rates and a more discerning consumer, dealers will have to up their game to maintain their momentum, AVB’s CEO Jim Ristow told attendees during his convention kickoff address. His four-point formula calls for:

  • Raising fees for underpriced delivery, installation and haul-away services to match marketplace rates, which can boost profits by as much as 5% in appliances and 8% for furniture.
  • Employing a point-of-sale system (POS) that connects members’ online, in-store and backroom functions for a consistent consumer experience and more efficient operations.
  • Keeping e-commerce sites up to flagship standards with accurate pricing and consumer conveniences like live chat, payment gateways and real-time in-stocks, which attract and keep customers.
  • Increasing marketing spend to match members’ recent sales strides and to maintain a high profile amid increased promotional activity by national chains.

“After two-and-a-half great years, our world, the economy and our industries are changing,” Ristow said. “The good news is I see opportunity, and it just requires basic table stakes to win. 

“AVB has the solutions but it’s ultimately up to you to ‘own it,’” he said, referencing this year’s show theme. “If you plug in, you will win.”

Also during the group’s four-day gathering at Dallas’ Gaylord Texan, a record attendee turnout took in 30 vendor trainings — the most ever at a BrandSource show. the group said in a release. Members also took in five educational tracks offering deep dives on home furnishings, luxury appliances, digital marketing, service operations and HR best practices.

Dealers also packed an expanded Expo product floor where members and vendor partners conducted business. In addition, the group said attendees lauded a new BrandSource Scholarship Program that will help provide trade school educations to auspicious students in foster care.

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