LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Dealers from around the world gathered last week for the Orgill Fall Dealer Market, August 25 to 27 at the Sands Expo Convention Centre, including Canadians from every province and territory.
Ron Beal, president of the Memphis-based hardware distributor, told HARDLINES that the show drew a record number of dealers. The company further reports that the number of Canadian retailers registered for the show was more than double the amount attendance at last year’s Fall Dealer Market. However, a number of vendors felt attendance was down somewhat from the previous event, held in February, since that show is typically the larger one overall for Orgill.
This year’s event featured three fully merchandised model stores: Continental Hardware & Building Supply, which focused on a 50-50 DIY-pro customer mix; Maple Ridge Home Centre, with a 50-50 DIY-pro customer mix and completely Canadian-compliant products; and Vista Home & Garden Supply, which focused on the lawn and garden and farm and ranch categories.
The impulse items, lawn and garden and Worldwide Sourcing categories were also highlighted at the show through special product showcases that featured broad product assortments from a wide range of vendors, as well as many ideas for effective merchandising.
The market featured a range of sales and promotional opportunities, including Door Busters, Market Busters, Coupon Specials, New Items and Pallets. It also included a special promotions area just for its Canadian customers—more important than ever since Orgill expanded its reach in Canada with its 2015 acquisition of Chalifour. That promotional area drew the Canadian dealers for the bulk of day one of the show, with some increased traffic by Canadians reported on the main floor on day two, according to some vendors.
