High Point Market Seminars - Day 3

8:30am - 9:30am
How to Create a Newsworthy Retail Event Around the Subject of Sustainability
Based on the successful fall 2009 event at Room and Board’s flagship store, “Experience Soy Style: Be in the KnOH,” Leslie Newby, principal of Brand Communications, Inc., the agency of record for Cargill BiOH Polyols, will provide a primer for creating conversations with shoppers around the subject of sustainable furnishings through community involvement, local media and social networking. Strategically planned events can draw attention to your store, foster long-term good will and drive retail traffic. Attendees will walk away with useful materials and tips for generating new excitement in stores.
Presented by: Leslie Newby, Brand Communications, Inc www.experiencebioh.com No charge and no RSVP to attend. Retailer Resource Center, Plaza Suites, 1st Floor
10:00am - 11:00am
Emerging from the Downturn – Are You Ready?
Attend this seminar and gain creative ideas to jumpstart your business by adding VALUE to the shopping experience. Connie Post, CEO of Connie Post Global Media, will also present new products and trends from the January Cologne and Paris furniture shows.
Presented by: Connie Post, Connie Post Global Media No charge and no RSVP to attend. Retailer Resource Center, Plaza Suites, 1st Floor
11:30am - 12:30pm
A New Decade of Consumer Financing & How It Benefits You
Regulatory changes are here, but what are they and how will they impact your business? This session will touch on the Credit Card Act of 2009, Regulation Z, and the role these important changes will play. We will also uncover why new regulations will place more emphasis on having a strong consumer finance program.
Presented by: Scott Friss, Citi Retail Services No charge and no RSVP to attend. Retailer Resource Center, Plaza Suites, 1st Floor
1:00pm - 2:00pm
How to Maximize Protection Plan Revenue and Profit
Learn how to increase the contribution of your furniture protection plan (FPP) program and enjoy significant top and bottom line growth. Discover how to increase FPP revenues up to 7% of total sales; increase your overall profit margin by 67%; identify and implement the elements necessary for success in this category; determine whether the training you get is, or even can be, effective; and evaluate the use of sprays and give-away products to determine whether they add real value to your FPP program. This is a must attend event for any dealer looking to maximize the performance of this important category in their business.
Presented by: John Rose, Montage Furniture Services No charge and no RSVP to attend. Retailer Resource Center, Plaza Suites, 1st Floor
2:30pm - 3:30pm
The Myths & Realities About Professional Sales Promotion & Liquidation Companies
They dominate the classified pages of Furniture Today. They move more merchandise than most Top 100 retailers. You’ve heard stories of unbelievable sales volume as well as slick operators and unfulfilled promises. They are the professional sales promotion and liquidation companies. During this informative seminar, you will learn how promotion companies operate – what services they perform, how companies differ and do they just run G.O.B.’s? The reality is that promotion companies often save stores from closing. You will learn if their services benefit your business, and you will leave with a good understanding of this “behind the scenes” segment of the furniture business.
Presented by:  Mike Egan, Ron Cooper & Hector Mustafa, Profit Management Promotions No charge and no RSVP to attend. Retailer Resource Center, Plaza Suites, 1st Floor
4:00pm - 5:00pm
15 Ways to Lower Costs, Increase Sales and Increase Profits in a Tough Economy
2009 was a tough year for the furniture industry leaving many companies searching for ways to survive. Yet some stores saw increases in sales and profits. Attend this seminar to learn the tricks your competition is using to survive and thrive.
Presented by:  John McCloskey, , Profitability Consulting Group No charge and no RSVP to attend. Retailer Resource Center, Plaza Suites, 1st Floor
View the remaining seminars by clicking on the links below: » April 20, 2010 (Tuesday)

For more information on seminars in the Retailer Resource Center, please contact Nicole Filippo at (800) 888-9590 ext. 6151 or nfilippo@nhfa.org.