Rent-to-own News - RentDirect Nationwide PrimeTime! launches in two weeks

RentDirect Nationwide is preparing for its PrimeTime! by Nationwide buying show and conference at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 28 – March 3.

The show will cover over 150,000 square feet of exhibit space showcasing the latest products from leading manufacturers. Dealers attending the show can also take advantage of exclusive offers including Cash Back Now instant rebates and pre-show sales events like RentDirect’s Hot Show.

PrimeTime! University is another advantage of attending the show which provides dealers with free educational classes specifically tailored to the independent rental dealer. Courses in Las Vegas will include an internet strategy, marketing and management series. 

To find out more about PrimeTime! by Nationwide, the largest conference and buying show for independent dealers, go to www.nationwideprimetime.com.

In a recent interview James MacAlpine, Executive Director of RentDirect Nationwide, shared his views on the rental industry, the independent dealer and the advantages of membership with RentDirect Nationwide including their upcoming PrimeTime! buying show and conference.

Q and A with MacAlpine:

Q: What’s the biggest change your member dealers have adopted during the recession that has become a permanent part of their business model?

MacAlpine: They question everything.  They research new opportunities more thoroughly, as well as existing expenses and programs, to ensure they are as knowledgeable as possible about how they spend their time and money.

Q: What new products or programs have you taken on that will to help your member dealers increase sales and profitability this year?

MacAlpine: As the retail market continues to be soft, we have stepped up our efforts among the vendor world to position the rental industry as an opportunity to capture additional sales.  We have several rental initiatives planned for 2010 to enhance the offer rental dealers make to their customers.

Q: Attracting in-store and online traffic is a high priority for retailers in 2010. What are you and your vendor partners doing to help your member dealers in this area?

MacAlpine: We’re looking closely at what is working in retail.  Even though business is soft on the retail side, there are promotions that are driving traffic.  We are repackaging those offers for our rental dealers to ensure that they continue to drive new sales.

Q: What are your most successful dealers doing to increase traffic, sales and profitability that less successful dealers aren’t?

MacAlpine: They are looking at promotions that worked in the past; perhaps a shift from “value” based promotions to product specific promotions.  They are working more in conjunction with suppliers to ensure the best price that will enable them to make a compelling, and profitable promotion.

Q: Based on consumer confidence, the economy and unemployment, how do you think your member dealers will fair in 2010 compared to 2009?

MacAlpine: Although it will be a difficult year, I believe most dealers in the rental industry will be up.  We saw a positive shift in the second half of Q4 and I believe that will continue through the middle of Q2 and then resume again in Q4.

But it is important to stay up to date on the changes within the industry concerning marketing, legislation, product trends, etc.  I think that the dealers that are members of a buying group or other organizations stand the best chance at thriving in this economy.

To learn more about the benefits of joining RentDirect Nationwide including an invitation to PrimeTime! by Nationwide, contact James MacAlpine at 336/722-4681 or email questions to jamesm@nationwidegroup.org.