Do it Best Kicks Off Virtual Spring Market

Do it Best kicked off its virtual spring market today, February 11, allowing attendees to maintain business continuity while fully experiencing the benefits of the semi-annual event. A record number of new Do it Best member-owners will be participating in this spring market, which offers special purchasing opportunities, key industry insights and proven best practices through a new web experience available exclusively to members through February 25.

“This market has all the great experiences members have come to expect,” said Dan Starr, Do it Best president and CEO. “Whether virtual or in person, our markets demonstrate our commitment to be our members’ first and best choice in the industry for product purchasing and programs designed to build their growth.”

Members can start off their market experience with videos designed to provide strategies and updates on products, programs and company performance. The Business Update with Dan Starr features a four-point, mid-year review of company performance and opportunities for continued growth. Market Central introduces a new ecommerce initiative and offers purchasing strategies for key hardlines and LBM, while the LBM Industry Update provides LBM-specific insights. In the Merchandising Preview Spotlight, they highlight new products and special buying opportunities for members.

The spring market offers exclusive deals, including the popular Sneak Peek, Cyber Steals and LBM Super Specials. Members can also learn practical tips from industry experts about business improvement and people leadership through a series of live Zoom-based Knowledge Central webinars.

“This market offers our members more opportunities than ever to gain insights on retailing trends, challenge their thinking, and lock in their product purchases,” Starr said. “We’re excited to help our members strengthen their businesses and fuel their growth.” The Do it Best Fall Market returns as an in-person event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis from September 9–12.

“Now that we’ve got two virtual markets under our belt, we’re excited about how we’ve moved quickly from the first one to doing it with regularity and offering a hybrid environment. We provide an outstanding online experience that is relevant,” said Randy Rusk, Do it Best’s communications director.

Rusk said the decision in January to switch from an in-person market to a virtual market was made largely due to business continuity concerns. “Omicron was steadily building at that time, lots of flights were being canceled, and we were concerned about members and vendors being able to travel to the market and have enough staff behind to operate,” he said.

With supply chain disruptions still an ongoing issue, Rusk said members are being told: ‘If you see it and can sell it, buy it.’ He added, “Anything with resins and computer chips continues to be a challenge to secure, but we have vendors who have products to send today.”

The Virtual Spring Market is set up with countdown clocks and a text alert system to keep members engaged with deals for Sneak Peak and Market Closeouts. The Core Solutions and Category Solutions galleries are complemented by planogram opportunities by category. The hardware category is featured in this market, according to Rusk, along with two seasonal pre-planners on holiday décor and hearth & home to spotlight new products coming this fall.

Do it Best members have the opportunity to tune in to the co-op’s Zoom-based Knowledge Central sessions, as part of the Virtual Spring Market. They will also be recorded for viewing later.

MASTERING YOUR MARKETING

Transform Customers to Brand Cheerleaders – Mitch Savoie Hill

Friday, Feb 11 at 1 pm ET

Cater to your customers’ shopping experiences and transform them into your brand cheerleaders who will outshine the power of advertising. Mitch Savoie Hill draws from the DISC model to show you how to use the tools you already have to exceed customer expectations with each transaction to build loyalty, upsell opportunities, and referrals. Watch live 

Win Over Millennial and Gen Z Consumers – Chelsea Krost

Tuesday, Feb 22 at 1 pm ET

Create a high-quality experience the moment young DIYers and homeowners walk into your store. Chelsea Krost has become a go-to generational expert on national news networks with her research on different age groups. She shows us that Millennials and Gen Zers value experiences over Hollywood-quality social media content. Confidently tailor your marketing strategies and branding toward your newest generation of shoppers. Watch live

PROPELLING YOUR PROFIT

Keep Cash Flowing – Rod Bristol

Tuesday, Feb 15 at 1 pm ET

Cash flow is critical to driving business value. Rod Bristol, a master financial trainer, and mergers and acquisition specialist, returns to walk you through the seven tips you can use to keep your cash flowing. Watch live

CELEBRATING TECHNOVATION

Seize Your Local SEO and Google Presence – Pam Aungst Cronin 

Thursday, Feb 17 at 1 pm ET

Take steps to ensure your business is a top result in any Google search for home improvement. Pam Aungst Cronin is a search engine optimization (SEO) pro and will show you the secret to positioning your business so customers can find you easier. Walk away from this session knowing how you can leverage one of the most valuable tools in your online arsenal, Google My Business. Watch live

LEADING THE WAY

Fearless Leadership – Dr. Rebecca Heiss

Wednesday, Feb 23 at 1 pm ET

Fear and rejection have plagued humankind for centuries. Even today, they continue to be the greatest obstacles to becoming highly effective leaders. Speaker Dr. Rebecca Heiss, a leading neurobiology researcher, will help you train your brain to overcome these challenges through greater self-awareness so you can fearlessly lead your business to its fullest potential. Watch live

CONNECTING WITH A DIVERSE TEAM

Hire and Keep Generation Z – Chelsea Krost

Thursday, Feb 24 at 1 pm ET

Learn how to close the workplace generation gap and enhance employee advocacy, engagement, and retention. Chelsea Krost, a marketing strategist and go-to expert for national news outlets, will show you what Gen Z values in the workplace and how to bridge gaps between the four current working generations. Leave with strategies for attracting and retaining the next generation. Watch live