By James Atkinson
Southern Independent Liquor (SIL) and and Tasmanian Independent Liquor (TIL) are running a pre-Easter online trade expo for their members following the success of a similar initiative in the lead-up to Christmas last year.
SIL managing director David Stephenson said the online format means that members can plan and place orders from their own premises at a time that suits them while still getting the best expo deals possible from suppliers.
"In the past, our trade expos were held in a live environment which was great for networking and member/supplier interaction, however it meant that many of our members, who were unable to attend due to work commitments, could not access the special deals as personal attendance was a requirement.
"Given the huge success of our inaugural Pre-Christmas Electronic Connect Trade Expo, which delivered an outstanding 56 per cent increase in case sales compared to the previous year’s record sales, SIL has decided to stick to the online formula for its very first pre-Easter Trade Expo. By doing this, we are able to involve all of our members and provide them with fantastic expo buying opportunities in a relaxed environment."
"As well as delivering terrific benefits for our members and suppliers, the online trade expo will also ease pressure on our Victorian and Tasmanian warehouses as it will significantly reduce last-minute buying," Stephenson said.
SIL and TIL are independent liquor wholesalers servicing the members of the Duncan's and Oz Liquor banner groups and other independent retailers in free-standing liquor stores and hotel drive-ins across Victoria and Tasmania.
The Duncan's group currently comprises more than 100 liquor outlets across Victoria and Tasmania, while Oz Liquor is a newer offering in the market currently comprising Victorian outlets.
Participants in the upcoming trade expo will also have the chance to take part in a silent auction with all proceeds going to the Duncan’s Help A Mate Foundation which supports various worthwhile local community causes. The items up for grabs in the online auction were all generously donated by the suppliers participating in the expo.
The online expo concludes today, Friday March 14.