Marketing Firm Stresses E-Marketing to Furniture Retailers. Embrace The Net Rather Than Fear It

Furniture World Magazine

Furniture retailers attending the High Point Market will be introduced to an e-commerce approach rarely seen in the industry to date. Using the philosophy of "E-marketing," The Meridian Group, (TMG) will proffer advice to Market-goers on adopting the new media proactively. And to show the importance the firm places on E-marketing as part of a full-service advertising and marketing approach, agency CEO Joseph Takach and Director of Interactive Retail Services, Cindy Schneider, will be available to speak with retailers at the event. "We hear from our furniture clients and read the trade press, so we know folks are wary of the Internet's potential impact," said Takach. "Our agency asks, 'Why?'" he said. "Why be afraid of e-commerce and e-marketing?" "The new media is simply another arrow in the marketing quiver. Our agency believes a true marksman shouldn't be afraid to take out that arrow and rosin the bow." TMG will also unveil a new series of syndicated advertisements for furniture retailers and introduce Schneider, a name familiar to many at The Market, as director of the agency's furniture marketing business. Schneider has 25 years experience in the furniture segment, including co-founding Intellitek, the industry's leading satellite-based communications network. Schneider joined the firm this summer with an eye toward moving the industry past its "Internet angst." According to Schneider, the furniture industry is akin to a toddler attempting his first jump into a pool while his parent patiently coaxes him to the water. "Our agency is there for retailers who wish to make that leap, just a we have for other furniture clients and those in other industries," she explained. The Meridian Group, which made industry trade headlines this spring with their on-line credit application for Grand Furniture stores, will be located at the Resource Center, Main Building, 12th Floor, Space #9 at the Market. Based in Virginia Beach, Va., and with branch offices in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Charleston, SC, The Meridian Group is an international, award-winning, full-service advertising, public relations and marketing firm. TMG serves a select but diverse client list in the clothing retail, hospitality, financial services, healthcare, industrial and government sectors throughout the Caribbean and the United States.