Jackets & Co. Teams Up with The Douglas Stewart Company for Successful Store Remodel

MADISON, WI, November 03, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Douglas Stewart Company announced today its partnership with Jackets & Co., a campus reseller at Montana State University Billings, for their recent store remodel. Jackets & Co. store director Chad Schreier turned to the distributor for advice on how to transform his tech division into a destination on campus.

"They sent out several members of their team including an associate sales manager, national merchandising manager, and a school supplies sales rep," Schreier said. "I leaned on their expertise." The finished product is what Schreier refers to as a supplier-managed inventory.

"We must become part of their team; someone who listens and understands their difficulties, successes and their customers. This is how we differentiate our business from others in the industry and helps our customers succeed," said Dennis Nowik, Associate Sales Manager at The Douglas Stewart Company and Account Manager for Jackets & Co.

Chris McLean, Director of Sales at The Douglas Stewart Company said, "We provide our customers with customized category solutions to help them grow their business profitably while incorporating the latest products. The same solution won't work for all stores, so we devote the time required to understand our customers' needs and adapt to their environment."
Along with assortment suggestions, the distributor provided the reseller with training materials to educate store staff on the technology and enable them to answer questions and suggest products based on customers' desires.

"They looked at what's selling across the country and worked with us," Schreier said. "We went through a couple webinars of what was selling and what they see as trends for the next six months. They made their suggestions and then I modified the suggestions based on our campus culture."

The response from students and the campus community has been encouraging. "It certainly helps that we have a brand-new store, but computer sales are up and we carry the iPhone, iPad, and all accessories," Schreier said. "Basically, what you would expect to see at any major tech store."

The Douglas Stewart Company is the largest distributor and marketer of computer products, consumer electronics and school supplies exclusively serving the education market. The Douglas Stewart Company links more than 185 manufacturers with over 4,500 academic resellers in the United States and Canada. Its subsidiary, Douglas Stewart EDU provides similar services to 23 countries in Europe. Based in Madison, Wisconsin and founded in 1950, The Douglas Stewart Company is a privately held, woman-owned business.