Laptop giveaway promotes Powell's Web-based tool
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 30, 2007
Las Vegas — To promote the value of its Web-based tool for retailers, Powell Co. will give free laptop computers to customers placing qualified orders at the summer Las Vegas Market.
Buyers will take home a laptop and custom-embroidered carrying case with a $5,000 order made in Powell's World Market Center showroom, space A-753, to ship from one of the company's two distribution centers.
"Powell Retailers Online is one of the most exciting tools our customers can use to grow their business," said Tom Liddell, senior vice president of national sales for the case goods, accent and occasional furniture importer. "This laptop promotion is a great way for us to convey how easy it is for store staff to sit down anywhere with their shoppers and sell them products that they might not see on the retail floor. Dealers can power up the laptop and start selling as soon they return from Vegas."
PowellPRO and PowellSELLS are the wholesale and retail versions of the proprietary software program. Users can access catalogs with product photos, pricing and availability; find out order capabilities and status; see specials and closeout information; and obtain customized retail price lists.
Crouch Furniture in Denison, Texas, is an early adopter and has a computer dedicated to the PowellSELLS Web site on the sales floor.
"The results have been wonderful. Our sales team and our customers have found PowellSELLS to be easy and efficient," said Ronnie Coles, third-generation owner of the family run business. "Our salespeople show consumers how to navigate the site, and the consumer not only finds what they are looking for, but also another Powell piece that would go perfectly in their home."
Bill Benton, president and CEO of Powell, said the Web-based tool "gives everyone that needed edge in a challenging retail environment."
Powell introduced the system to its dealers last year and has made subsequent upgrades. The site is accessible at www.powellpro.net with any Internet connection. The company said PowellSELLS can be seamlessly integrated into retailer Web sites.
