WRLA Toolbox: February 13, 2014
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Welcome to the ToolBox, your portal to WRLA member news and information within the LBM market. We invite you to learn more about what's going on within your association and the companies whose products and/or services you utilize.

What's Going On




Complete the appropriate Survey and have your name entered To WIN a Tablet!

 Post Show Survey - Exhibitor
Post Show Survey - Retailer

Didn't attend the show this year? 
Let us know why...
 
CLICK HERE


2014 WRLA Post Show report is Now Available!

Follow this link
http://www.wrla.org/exhibitor-information
to our website then click "Click here to download the 2014 WRLA Post Show Report"

*Click Here for information on the 2015 Buying Show in Calgary *

 



2015 WRLA Buying Show
January 21 - 23, 2015 | Calgary, AB

Hotel Reservations
The WRLA has enlisted the professional services of International Conference Services (ICS) Housing Bureau to assist in coordination of the delegate housing requirements for the 2015- 2017 WRLA Showcases.

Book your hotel for the 2015 WRLA Buying Show using the Online Reservation System.
If you belong to a buying group or have an exhibitor block please secure your online booking code from your main contact.

Click the link below to access the online hotel reservation system

Individual Hotel Reservations - CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE to view the Hotel Summary

CLICK HERE to view the Venue Map

CLICK HERE to access the group request form

2015 ITINERARY
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Opening Night – Hyatt Regency
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Buying Show – BMO Centre & Gala – Hyatt Regency
Friday, January 23, 2015
Buying Show – BMO Centre & Closing Night Party – Telus Convention Centre

Housing Policy:  The WRLA, producer of the WRLA 2015 Buying Show, would like to remind all Show attendees and exhibitors that WRLA 2015 Buying Show uses ICS (International Conference Services Ltd.) for show accommodations.  Any claims by any other organization stating that they are the official WRLA 2015 Buying Show housing agency are untrue. Please feel free to contact slabossiere@wrla.org  for further information.

 


  We're planning our Spring Events Now - Don't miss out, send us your contact information!



For more information on the NexGEN Program visit
www.wrla.org/nexgen
 
or contact Krista Scherpenzeel toll free at 1-800-661-0253 or kristas@wrla.org
 

 


Don't miss our latest videos on WRLA TV!



WRLA T.V is a great place to find out what's happening in your Industry! 
Breaking News | Industry Annoucements | Highlights from Industry Events |  AdvertisingNew Products Helpful Tips

CLICK HERE for our Media Kit and to find out how you can advertise on WRLA T.V!

CLICK HERE to Watch Now!



 


Got News?  Share it with us! 
And always watch for new videos and updates from the WRLA!

   

Help us get the word out about OUR Industry!

 
Industry News

Four Tips for Selling Storage and Organization

  • Sell the basics. Storage solutions are in every part of the house, including food storage, organizers for the office, modular units for apartments and college students, or baskets for the laundry room. Find the latest and most creative designs to make your category stand out from your competitor’s offering.
  • Display assembled products. Many customizable storage systems are easy to install, but may not seem that way to a customer who is staring at the box. Dedicate a space to show a sample of a storage system—such as a closet or garage wall—installed with easy instructions on how customers can design and install it themselves. If you have limited space, use photos showing installed closet systems from vendors or customers that have tried the product.
  • Keep current on style. Instead of white wire racking, brushed steel, chrome and colour are popular for shelving units today. Some people even want cabinets in that closet or garage. Visit department stores and specialty storage retailers to see what’s hot and what’s not.
  • Use special orders. Use your storage vendor’s special-order capabilities to cut down on inventory, give your customers more options and fetch high margins. Train your employees on the ordering process so it’s easy and fast for customers.

Three Ways to Market Your Store’s Pricing to Your Advantage

  • Establish a Price Image
    First, take a step back and look at the big picture. What brand image do you want for your operation when it comes to pricing?  Determine your market needs and determine how you can fulfill that need. There may be some categories where you can offer specialty services or unique lines. Identify items that can command higher prices versus categories or items where you need to be more competitive with the low-price leaders in the market.
  • Tell Your Customers
    Tools such as shelf bouncers, interior banners and bandrails, tri-mobiles and static cling decals help create retail excitement and demonstrate to your customers that you have competitive prices.
  • Implement Price Matching
    - If you decide to implement a price matching policy, keep online retailers’ pricing in mind in addition to your bricks-and-mortar competition. It’s important to create written guidelines for your price-matching guarantee and post it around the store to remind your customers and employees that you do price-match. Most often, online ads don’t include the price of shipping, which a customer would be required to pay on top of the listed price. One way to handle situations like this is to say that you’d be happy to honour the price with the shipping price included. Just be sure to explain your reasoning.

 

WRLA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NRHA
The goal of the North American Retail Hardware Association is to help independent hardware and home improvement retailers become better and more profitable merchants through a wide array of educational and training programs, financial management resources, and human resource tools that are all available online. WRLA members get unlimited access to a full range of training and management services when they join NRHA through the WRLA. 

Visit www.wrla.org or CLICK HERE for more information about NRHA.

 
Calendar of Events


February 21 - 22, 2014
TIM-BR Mart Show
Congress Centre - Toronto, ON

February 27 - March 1, 2014
Orgill National Show
Orlando, FL

Stay tuned for WRLA Srping Education Course Calendar!

To view the complete Events Calendar  CLICK HERE

 
Association Publications

Support your association and broadcast your business to hundreds of decision-makers in the lumber industry. Advertising opportunities are still available in several WRLA publications:

The YardStick: The YardStick is sent to more than 1,200 members firms every other month. Advertising in the largest issue of The YardStick, the Prairie Showcase edition, is a great way to reinforce your marketing message with hundreds of decision-makers who regularly read this magazine while supporting WRLA. Ads booked within the print edition automatically appear (linked to the website or email of your choice) in the digital edition, which is read by more than 500 visitors each issue. Exclusive online ad positions are also available within every digital edition.

The Toolbox: Delivered directly to the inboxes of more than 1,200 lumber managers and professionals, this
weekly e-newsletter offers consistent access to the individuals who rely on your products and services to run their businesses.

Directory & Product Source Guide:
WRLA is the largest retail lumber association on the Prairies, with its membership representing 85% of the industry. All of our members are included in this annual directory and all keep this publication handy year-round. Make sure your business stands out in this resource by purchasing a display advertisement.

WRLA.org: Our website average more than 3,000 visits per month! Advertising space is available on the home and sub-pages of WRLA.org. Ads rotate on the home page and sub pages, expanding your exposure to site visitors at an affordable price.

WRLA-TV: Introducing the NEW WRLA-TV Banner Sponsorship. Our online TV and banners offer your brand high visibility on the WRLA homepage. Your branding and action oriented banner is featured every time WRLA-TV’s videos are played by our audience, leaving them one-click away from your website‘s landing page.

For more information about these opportunities, click here for the media kit or contact:

Kim Davies
Project Manager
(800) 665-2456, ext. 423
kdavies@naylor.com 

 
WRLA Videos


Stay up-to-date on the latest industry news and events with our engaging new communication channel.

Have you watched the latest episode on our WRLA TV channel? Don't wait to take full advantage of this terrific media channel, one of the many benefits of your WRLA membership!

Check it out here!


 
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Alliance Designer Products
Westman Steel Industries
iRecycle Inc.
Castle Building Centres

If your company has news that you would like to see in The ToolBox, please email your news releases to news@wrla.org
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