Schewels Furniture, Olinde’s, and Grand Appliance and TV Join Nationwide Marketing Group

Furniture World Magazine

Nationwide Marketing Group, the largest buying and services organization for appliance, electronics and furniture retailers in America, has gained three new large dealers that left the MARTA group. Combined, the three retailers have more than $150 million in volume and 67 stores. Nationwide announced that Schewels Furniture, Olinde’s, and Grand Appliance and TV have joined its $10 billion organization. Robert Weisner, Executive Vice President of Nationwide, said, “We look forward to working with these major retailers that have built strong reputations in their markets for many years. They are respected, growing dealers, and we believe that Nationwide can help them grow even stronger.” Ed Kelly, President of Nationwide, said Nationwide “will demonstrate to these new members many of the benefits our organization offers at PrimeTime!, its semi-annual buying event February 26 through March 1 in Las Vegas. We welcome them as new members and look forward to having them attend what promises to be the best ever PrimeTime! event.” Grand Appliance & TV, headquartered in Libertyville, IL, has eight stores in northwest Illinois and Wisconsin. Founded in 1930, it was a member of MARTA for eight years. Olinde’s, in business for 120 years, is a seven-store chain in Louisiana specializing in furniture, electronics and appliances. It was a MARTA member for 12 years. Schewels Furniture, headquartered in Lynchburg, VA, has 52 stores in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia specializing in appliances, TVs, and furniture. In business for 109 years, Schewels Furniture was a MARTA member for 20 years. Nationwide Marketing Group is the nation’s leading independent appliance, electronics and furniture marketing group. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, Nationwide Marketing Group has approximately 2,500 members throughout the United States – independent retailers with more than 7,000 storefronts and $10 billion in annual sales. The fact that it is larger than all competing groups combined provides members with unprecedented marketing advantages. Its members receive from Nationwide the products, services, and buying power necessary to remain competitive in today’s highly competitive retail environment. Nationwide Marketing Group, founded 35 yeas ago, hosts two premier buying conventions each year – PrimeTime! – that draw thousands of retailers and major manufacturers. These events feature nationally-known keynote speakers, provide education programs through PrimeTime! University, and allow retailers to see new products and talk directly with manufacturer representatives. The next PrimeTime! will be at The Venetian in Las Vegas Feb 26-March 1.