Hardlines distributor Orgill has outlined how it will use technology to offer customers a “unique” online buying experience this fall after the company canceled its traditional dealer market in wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Memphis, Tenn.-based Orgill’s e-Volution Fall Online Buying Event will make it possible for the company’s retail customer base to take advantage of promotional buying opportunities, shop for seasonal merchandise, and browse through thousands of new products virtually.
“We know there is no way for us to replicate the entire experience of attending our Dealer Market in person in any kind of virtual way,” Boyden Moore, president and CEO of Orgill, said in a news release. “In talking with many of our customers about this, we challenged our team to develop an online buying event that could efficiently deliver the buying opportunities for which our dealer markets are so well known. This new interactive platform in which our sales team and vendors can work with our customers is Orgill’s e-Volution, and will help us create an even better Dealer Market experience in the future.”
Orgill’s e-Volution Fall Online Buying Event will take place during a two-week window from August 24 to September 4. During the period, retailers will be able to access the event through Orgill’s website. Through the e-Volution platform, retailers will be able to browse through a variety of buying opportunities, drop-ship event specials from vendors, and a Fall Spotlight area with a range of other buying and booking opportunities. Retailers will also be able to visit vendor’s online booths and set appointments to discuss product lines and trends.
“This new technology is going to make it easy for our customers to tap into all the buying opportunities they have come to expect from our Dealer Markets but in a more deliberative fashion and while not having to travel or leave their businesses,” Jeff Curler, Orgill’s senior vice president of purchasing, said. “We are currently working with our vendor partners to help them get their individual areas prepared for the event and to ensure that our customers have a seamless experience using the e-Volution platform.”
Orgill said it will have a two-week window prior to the actual online buying event when its sales team will help retailers prepare for the e-Volution buying window. During the preparation period, sales representatives will help customers identify buying specials, set appointments with vendors, and prepare a plan in advance.
Orgill serves more than 6,000 retail hardware stores, home centers, professional lumber dealers, and farm stores across the United States.
