News & Notes
R & T Furniture Launches Company Rebranding
Responding to a retailer mind-set that sometimes thinks "all suppliers are the same", we have decided to do something about it. Thus began a 6 months re-branding effort to differentiate R & T from the multitude of distributors that had opened up over the past 5 years.
"I refer to them as warehouse distributors in that they do little more than put stock into a building. Many actually are retailers first, liquidating excess container inventory they cannot use themselves into the marketplace. In doing so, they offer little retail support before or after the sale. Being one of the oldest import distributors (in business since 1983) the company has a distinguished record of industry leading service. We are proud to represent the some of the most established import lines in the industry - including Lifestyle, Trademaster, Crownmark, Elements International, Jofran and many more. Along with North American manufacturers such as American & United Upholstery and RTA giant Sauder Woodworking, we have served the Eastern Canadian Independent retailers for over 25 years.
"We were the first and still the only distributor producing a twice-a-year colour flyer to help the independent retailer compete with the majors. We continue to have an inventory commitment that allows us to have a 93% service level for orders. The company partnered years ago with Nesel / VA Transport to offer next day delivery to many areas. "In fact, we can ship orders that we receive by 1 o'clock the same day. We also have consistent representation with field reps that can assist the retailer select the product best suited for his marketplace".
Always looking for ways to help the independent survive and improve margins, R & T has launched a toll-free order number 855-RTSTOCK (1-855-787-8625). We have also committed to a service resolution time of 48 hours. "Stores want you to eliminate their problems and give them a solution quickly for the day to day issues faced in dealing with a demanding customer. Saying you will get back to them while waiting for a US or overseas supplier to respond takes too long. And having to dispose of the damaged good yourself or with a partial credit, takes valuable time and resources from an already stretched retailer".
The rebranding effort - launched during The Canadian Home Furnishings Market in Toronto, displayed the new company logo and colours. "I wrote a number of tag lines to state the companies mission statement. In the end there was one obvious choice that has reflected the company position since day one - You're Important to Us!
"We need the independent retailer to survive, and we will continue to do whatever we can to add exclusive value to our products and earn his business," explains Paddock.