By leveraging the technology from its enterprise level system, CDS now meets the specific needs of the small and mid-market retailer—a market segment previously neglected by the software industry—with its latest edition of Retail 6. Now, small and mid-level retailers can experience the innovative technology that only large retailers were able to enjoy. Read More about the new Small and Mid-Market Retailer Edition...
CDS recently designed and developed an innovative, new microsite for The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA), the largest affiliate of the National Home Furnishings Association, which is the nation’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers. WHFA requested a microsite for their upcoming 2008 member conference and expo in Tucson, AZ to give their retailers centralized, comprehensive information on this exciting, annual event. www.WHFAconference.com.
“With so many choices of events to attend these days, retailers want to know what value they’ll receive for being out of the store,” said Ren Baker, CEO, of CDS Solutions Group. “The conference microsite demonstrates this value with deeper and richer content that will treat individuals to their own unique online experience,” said Baker.
Creative Director of CDS Solutions Group, Linda Forte, comments that the microsite was developed with the intention of providing a focused message on a dynamic event. “Our main goal in development was to capture the fun, fresh approach of the 2008 WHFA Conference. The site is infused with animation and interactive areas that engage the audience. Participation is encouraged with features such as BuzzBoards—the online message board, an interactive game and roundtable discussion sign-ups,” said Forte. WHFA and CDS shared a mutual interest in working together to convey the importance of technology to industry retailers and the excitement for the opportunity that a microsite creates. “We’re confident that the microsite will create a real buzz within the membership and that the enthusiasm generated will enhance attendance at the conference,” states Forte. “It was great fun working on it and we’re thrilled to work with a great organization like WHFA.”
Baker reports that today’s consumer demands a more targeted Web and internet strategy. “Microsites are a great marketing tool and their popularity and effectiveness continue to increase as consumers expect simple but effective interaction with their retailers. Consumers appreciate the value in visiting focused sites where they can gather and share information, learn and socialize with others on a specific topic.” Baker adds that his team enjoys bringing this type of solution to market, and encourages clients to consider the significant value proposition microsites provide to the big ticket retailer.
For additional information on microsite and Web design and development services, contact CDS at 888-309-8002 or Read More about these Services at the CDS Group Web Site...
Las Vegas Happenings
Going to the Vegas Market, July 28 - August 1?
Stop by to visit us at WHFA's Retail Resource Center (RRC) and be sure to check out our two great seminars below:
CDS Creative Director, Linda Forte will be presenting "Identity Crisis in Cyberspace: The Cause and the Cure" on Tuesday, July 29th, in WHFA's RRC, Building B, 16th Floor, at 8:30 a.m. In this session, Linda reveals how to craft your website to connect with your target market, fulfill your customers' needs, and differentiate yourself from your competition. Learn how to overcome the two biggest obstacles to success—invisibility and incredibility—by designing, implementing and maintaining a truly effective website that sends both conscious and subconscious image-marketing messages tailored for your audience. Once again, CDS will hold a drawing at the close of the session for a free, one-hour website phone consultation.
Learn about our new Microsite Design and Consulting services. Contact Brian Crozier at 717-475-6664 or bcrozier@cdsgroup.com for more information.
CDS Partners with WHFA on Educational Venture
As part of its ongoing commitment to the educational efforts of WHFA, CDS has taped all of the seminars conducted at the Association’s 2008 Annual Conference & Expo held recently in Tucson, Arizona, and has created a complete DVD set for all conference attendees. This project, which CDS originated several years ago, allows conference participants to share the information learned with the rest of their team. The set, which includes 6 discs of powerful information, is a great addition to a retailer’s educational library and very beneficial to their training efforts. CDS has also created DVD sets for WHFA’s Annual Conferences in Hawaii (2006) and Palm Springs (2007).
Past Vegas Seminars a Success
CDS recently participated in the Las Vegas Market and co-launched with the Western Home Furnishings Association the industry's first microsite, which CDS designed and developed— check it out at www.WHFAconference.com.
CDS President Ren Baker presented to a full house in WHFA's Retailer Resource Center on "How to Succeed as Successor in the Family Business ." Baker explained the difference between a family business and a business that's in the family and helped participants see the personal and financial benefits of having a business in the family . Baker provided strategies for overcoming the day to day challenges common in working with family members and addressed the art of successfully "doing things differently ." Baker stressed the importance of earning credibility and respect within the family and non-family employees, and separating the personal from the professional. Baker reports that attendees left motivated and confident that they could be successful in transitioning the business with the respect of those retiring from the business, as well as those who remain under their leadership.
Following his session, Mr. Baker had a drawing for an in-kind, on-site succession planning consultation. The lucky winners were Hal and Sandi Phillips of Phillips Furniture and Appliance in Winnemucca, Nevada.
CDS VP of Strategic Accounts Brian Crozier asked his attendees, "Is Your Website Driving Traffic to Your Store or Turning Your Customers Away? Crozier announced to the surprised crowd that industry analysts report that close to 70% of customers are browsing online before even entering a brick and mortar store. He urged attendees to give their customers the experience they expected and an incentive to come in and shop . Brian stressed the importance of portraying the company image and its products accurately through the Web site. Attendees left with tips on how to find out what their customers are really looking for when they visit their site; their Web turn-ons and turn-offs; and simple ways to engage viewers to dig deeper; increasing the value and usability of the company's Web presence.
In Part II of Brian's presentation he critiqued the effectiveness of a number of Web sites , navigating through some of the best sites, as well as some "not so great" sites . By reviewing numerous examples, attendees learned what to look for, the importance of color, what works and what doesn't. After the session, attendees were ready to take a good hard look at their own websites and get started on making improvements.
President and CEO Ren Baker and his team at CDS Solutions Group are pleased to announce their new corporate headquarters in an award-winning restored tobacco warehouse in historic, downtown Lancaster. For directions to our new location, Click Here.
CDS Solutions Group
415 N. Prince Street
Suite 201
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-569-7728
888-309-8002