DIAMOND BAR, CA — The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is getting ready to unveil two new member benefits for its jobber/retailer members. The first, known as “The Store of the Future,” will be showcased at the 2006 SEMA Show and will feature the “The Retail Resource Center." The new show attraction will include state-of-the-art product displays, technology demonstrations and one-on-one evaluations for SEMA-member companies.
The new programs will focus on educating jobbers and retailers in a number of areas, including: lighting, fixtures & props, flooring & ceiling, sensory, branding, signage and store design. SEMA will be conducting 20 minute mini-seminars on each of these topic areas daily in the "Store of the Future" area. There will also have two 90-minute seminars daily to cover all of these topics in a single sitting.
Additionally, SEMA will have three merchandising experts working out of the "Store of the Future" area. They will be taking 30-minute individual appointments to consult with jobbers and retailers that have interest in receiving a critique on their merchandising and store plans. These appointments will be on a first-come-first-serve scheduling basis and are at no-charge to the show attendees.
The association currently represents more than 1,000 members in the jobber/retailer category.
"The category represents the second largest constituency of the association," said SEMA Vice President of Membership and Education Faith Barnese. "Through the guidance and input of our board of directors and taskforce, we have begun to create added-value programs that will enhance these members’ participation in the association," she added. More than 50,000 buyers attend the annual SEMA Show.
In addition to "The Store of The Future," the association’s monthly SEMA News magazine has added a jobber/retailer column. The magazine’s new department, titled "Retail Store Review," is a critique of various retail stores from around the country. The monthly column gives the jobber/retailer owners ideas on various topics, from product displays and signage to lighting and foot traffic.
"It’s important for us to serve all member companies at the annual SEMA Show and throughout the year," said Barnese. "The monthly magazine feature and educational programs will create a strong foundation to build on," she said.
For more information regarding "The Store of The Future" and all of SEMA’s jobber/retailer initiatives, contact Faith Barnese at [email protected].
SEMA members interested in having their store featured in the "Retail Store Review" section of SEMA News can send their name, company name, address, phone, photos, e-mail and website to: SEMA News 1575 S. Valley Vista Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Attn: Store Layouts.
