Nationwide managing director Colin Pocklington announced that the web app – a website optimised for use on mobile devices – would be available to members at the 2016 Nationwide conference in March.
He explained that the tool was an extension of the web-based software the buying group’s in-house travel department used to manage travel arrangements and events.
“We decided it would benefit members and ourselves, so we commenced testing it several months ago,” Pocklington stated.
Members were given an opportunity to trial the app at the International Jewellery Fair held in Sydney last month.
In addition to providing general trade fair information, such as a list of exhibitors and transport timetable, the app gave users access to a personalised itinerary and sent automated reminders about upcoming workshops and seminars for which they had registered – a function that Pocklington said members had found particularly useful.
Suppliers and retailers also reportedly benefitted from the group transmission feature, which was used to broadcast limited-time special product offers. Three ‘secret super specials’ – which were exclusive to members using the app – were made available each day of the fair.
“The super specials were very successful and will become even more so as the number of members who have loaded the app increases,” Pocklington commented. “One supplier sold more [units] of a bangle promoted in the one-hour special than he would normally sell during the entire fair.”
Pocklington said the success of the trial had encouraged the buying group to promote the app for use at its upcoming national conference, noting that it was likely more functions would be added to the app early next year.
“There are additional features we haven’t had time to investigate yet,” he stated. “The next feature we will be working on will be online registration for any of our events, [including] conferences, trade fairs, Antwerp trips and other overseas trips. We hope to have this facility up and running by early 2016 in time for our conference.”
The 2016 Nationwide Jewellers conference will take place from 18 to 21 March at the QT Gold Coast hotel in Queensland.
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