Nationwide Marketing Group – a buying and marketing group for appliance, electronics, custom integrators, furniture, bedding and outdoor living retailers – and Azione Unlimited, a smart home association of custom integrators and manufacturers, have merged to form a more comprehensive whole-home platform for custom integrators.
Together, Nationwide and Azione serve a diverse network of more than 450 custom integrators, and Azione brings into the mix more thaan 60 additional vendor partners, making the combined group one of the largest and most diverse offerings in the industry.
The merger will allow both Nationwide and Azione Unlimited to offer smart home integrators and the vendors that serve them an end-to-end suite of tools and programs that focus on improving efficiency and profitability – at no additional cost.
Related: HTSN Member Report Dives Deep into Nationwide’s Custom Integration Segment
“What really gets me jazzed about this merger is the size, strength, and vitality of our combined organization, and the potential that it creates for our dealers moving forward,” said Richard Glikes, founder of Azione Unlimited. “From marketing expertise and data analysis to credit card savings and finance programs, Nationwide brings so many compelling offerings to our dealers. I’m thrilled that our dealers now have access to a suite of tools and programs that’s unmatched in this industry.”
By merging with Nationwide, Azione Unlimited’s network of dealers receives immediate access to business and financial benefits, including company healthcare programs, extended service and warranty programs, and digital and marketing solutions. In addition, Azione Unlimited dealers can now access PriMetrix, the independent channel’s performance insights platform for business data and metrics.
For Nationwide’s custom integration dealers, Azione Unlimited brings experience and efficiencies in the custom integration channel that will enable Home Technology Specialists Nationwide (HTSN) members to streamline and improve their businesses, including talent acquisition tools, and existing relationships within the interior designer and architect communities. Additionally, Nationwide and Azione are already working to develop new programming for all dealers, including in-market referral programs between the groups’ integrators and luxury appliance retailers.
“Providing our members with the tools they need to thrive on their own terms has been Nationwide’s purpose since day one,” said Nationwide President and Chief Member Advocate Tom Hickman. “Richard and his team have a long history of treating their members – both dealers and vendors – like family. We know they’ll feel right at home as part of Nationwide where, together, we’re working to provide our custom integrators with access to the products and programs that they need to outperform in the markets they serve.”
For Azione Unlimited and Nationwide dealers, nothing will change, logistically. The Azione Unlimited staff will continue to operate out of their Chester Springs, PA, location, and Azione Unlimited and HTSN dealers can continue to call on their regular points of contact and attend their own, dedicated conferences.
“The breath of services, resources and the technology that Nationwide possesses are an extraordinary complement to our existing Azione Unlimited member benefits,” Glikes added. “Our integrators will now have access to a complete suite of business services that will allow them to achieve their number one goal, which is to deliver an exceptional experience to their customers.”
