NEWSLETTERS - Hot Show ignites historic TRIB-AVB Tradeshow

"Hot Show" launches historic TRIB-AVB tradeshow 

TRIB Group members representing close to 100 companies piled into the Coronado Room at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas to take part in an annual buying frenzy known as the TRIB "Hot Show".

The hour and a half event -- which allows TRIB members to buy special vendor items at deep discounts -- was a warm up for the next two days of buying and selling that will take place here at the TRIB-AVB Brand Source Buying Show and Convention March 18-19.

The show, dubbed "Silver at the Summit" in commemoration of TRIB's 25th anniversary, marks the first time TRIB and retail partner AVB have co-located their respective shows since signing a strategic alliance in May 2006. Some 80 TRIB  approved vendors will set up shop here on 135,000 square feet of show space.

Rent-to-own dealers took full advantage of the "Hot Show" deals on refrigerators, washers and dryers,  computers, furniture and other accessories, often purchasing more than vendors had declared available. When dealers gobbled up all 500 available pairs of a particular laundry set, Whirlpool representatives had to step in.

Over 1,400 of the sets were ultimately purchased with many dealers left wanting.

Vendors Mike and Joyce Gerne of RES Marketing

Lyn Leach, of Ace Rent-to-Own who emceed the event, said both attendance and participation at this year's "Hot Show" was the highest ever.

"If you've missed this show," Leach said, "you've missed your chance to take advantage of the greatest amount of savings available here all week."

Though total sales figures from the "Hot Show" were not immediately available Monday night, TRIB Executive Director Dennis Shields agreed with Leach and "easily" put the figure in the hundreds of thousands.

TRIB vendor Mike Gerne of RES Marketing, who sold over $13,000 worth of rent-to-own delivery items and accessories at the show, also said sales were up.

"Compared to last year, our numbers were 10 to 15 percent higher," said Gerne, who lives in Tampa, Florida. "That's good news given what we keep hearing about the economy. Part of it though is that TRIB members recognize a good bargain."

TRIB's partnership and co-location with AVB -- the largest buying group in the country, according to the current issue of Dealerscope Magazine -- was also on the minds of many dealers and vendors on the eve of the convention.

Lyn Leach on the "Hot Show" buying floor.

TRIB member Richard Rose of RTO, Inc. said TRIB stands to benefit from its alliance with the buying power of the 4,500 member AVB.

"These are real deals here," Rose said of the "Hot Show" discounts. "It's great to see the enthusiasm that exists here as the group is evolving and aligning itself with AVB. It will expand our horizons and capabilities and so far, it looks like a happy marriage."

One of the benefits AVB offers TRIB members is access to its "Expert" programs ranging from health care planning, to warehousing, to human resources support and solutions.

But benefits in the alliance will not be one sided, according to Kathy Windsor, TRIB Board Member and executive vice president of National TV Sales and Rental.
 

In addition to enjoying the financial benefits of mega-volume buying, cash backs and training opportunities, there is more to gain by both retail and rent-to-own camps through the partnership, Windsor said. TRIB's understanding of the furniture market is an asset that will benefit AVB's retail members, she said.

Windsor is chair of the TRIB furniture committee.

Heavy buying at the TRIB "Hot Show".

"In addition to what we are getting from the retail industry, the retail industry is going to benefit from our knowledge too, especially when it comes to furniture," Windsor said. "In rent-to-own, we have to look at what lasts. We want the best of the best, and those are the companies we work with."

The convention will officially kickoff with a general session at 8 a.m. March 18 followed by TRIB's general membership meeting at 9 a.m. Another TRIB membership meeting will follow the next day at 8 a.m.

TRIB members are due to fill three seats on the nine-member TRIB board during the membership meetings and will hold their annual gala awards dinner at 8 p.m. March 19.

Click here for the APRO photo gallery of this event.