‘SMG has always been about supporting the independent retailer, and being awarded Best Business Support (Flooring) by Interiors Monthly readers is a
fabulous validation of that principle. This year everyone at SMG has been working extremely hard to offer members the best support around – including with pricing, rebates, marketing, new suppliers, exclusive offers and an extremely flexible approach giving retailers as much or as little help as they need,’ says Linda Thomas, SMG head of operations.
‘As an independent flooring retailer, you just want to make everything run as easily and smoothly as possible. You want someone on the end of the line who can help when you need it. If it’s product advice, placing an order, dealing with complaints, help with marketing or helping get you the best deals, SMG is there. Not only with day-to-day issues but all the back-office parts of the business such as insurance, credit-card processing rates, IFC, access to free advice, and someone always working hard to ensure you have the best terms – that’s where SMG comes in.’
SMG guarantees that members can retain their complete independence while at the same time benefitting from preferential discounts, rebate schemes and promotions from a comprehensive range of approved suppliers. Members without a direct account with an approved supplier can also access products via SMG’s central purchasing scheme.
Retailers also have access to contemporary unitary under the Pure Carpets and Pure Flooring brands, for which they can choose products to feature from a comprehensive portfolio of bestsellers, even without having a direct account with the supplier.
In line with SMG’s core principles, members decide how they want to run their own businesses, with as much or as little retail support as they require. With the lowest membership fees of any group and no requirement for retailers to attend meetings or events, retail members have total freedom to run their
business however they wish, just with more profit.
‘The key driver for SMG has always been to create profitable partnerships between members and approved suppliers. Both have the same goals and SMG continues to deliver more sales and greater profitability for each. Thank you to everyone who voted for us: your ongoing support is very much appreciated,’ says Thomas.
