ome Center erchant

BILL FISHMAN

11650 lberia Place San Oieoo, Ca,.-gilZA

lllS year's llome ('enter Show in ('hicago is going to be a humdingerl l)onel How's this for a lineup?

Last April. in a smoke filled room at the Wcstin llotel at O'llare airport, the show management was given a mandate from their ldvisory board to make this 1990 show a "must see" for the indenendent retailer.

"l)o whatever has to be done to ge( the small town and rural dealers to this event," they said. "lt's the only way to fill the aisles now that the show has increased the exhibit area to stretch over all the floors in both buildings at McCormick Place.

"Put together an educational program that is different than the typical programs presented by state associations and buying groups. (iive these independents information they can act on to make them more profitable."

Forty-five different Presentersfrom A to Z (Arndt to Zimmerman)including: l5 independent dealers talking about how they compete with the giant chainsl 7 key executives of the largest home center chains reacting to the trends of increased customer service and new product categories; 3 building material suppliers; 2 kitchen & bath expertsi 4 hardware suppliers; 5 distributorsl I professor, and 8 creative industry consultants.

In addition to the l0 workshop ses-

Home Center Show Features

Twenty leading industry associations are participating in the 1990 National Home Center Show March ll-13 in Chicago, Il., with special displays highlighting their programs, services, industry legislation, issues and trends:

American Plywood Association, California Redwood Association, Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau, Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association, Home Center Institute, International Hardwood Products Association, National Association of Floor Covering Distributors, National sions there will be four general sessions bringing together independent retailers from all parts of the world to sit at round tables exchanging ideas and seeking solutions to common problems. Two of these programs will begin with a complimentary continental breakfast.

The board cautioned show management that they have a responsibility to put the show within the comlort zone of the rural retailers.

"(;et the message to the exhibitors that they are to recognize the combined buying power of the independents and to extend all the courtesies in the booth that they extend to representatives ofthe giant chains."

"Just once I woud like to be invited to the top of the exhibit booth," chuckled one of the rural dealers at the meeting.

It's going to happen at this show! Throughout the past year show management has directed a promotion program to exhibitors, advising them of the importance of the independent dealers and the ways to make them leel wanted and comfortable in their booth. There will be a special workshop on "boothmanship" lor exhibitors before the show.

To make this show extremely cost effective, management has arranged to categorize the products, making it easier to shop the show. Then they cut the show by one day, arranged lor discounted air fares and Put together coupon books that offer additional discounts and premiums from many of the Chicago attractions and eating places. It's going to be a humdinger!

Building Material Distributors Association, National Concrete Masonry Association, National Decorating Products Association, National Kitchen & Bath Association, National Lumber & Building Material Dealers Association, National Retail Hardware Association, National Sash & Door Jobbers Association, National Supply Distributors Association, National Wood Window & Door Association, North American Wholesale Lumber Association, Southern Forest Products Association, Western Wood Products Association and Wood Moulding & Millwork Producers Association.