Does your promotional products distributorship have a showroom? No?

Well, not a problem. You can borrow Everen T. Brown’s.

The promo veteran, who has been in the ad specialty industry for nearly 45 years, is launching a novel concept called the Promotional Products Superstore.

The “store” is, in fact, a shared showroom featuring hot products from a spectrum of suppliers, which sponsor their showcases. Distributors listed with ASI and PPAI are invited to drop by the showroom in Salt Lake City, UT to peruse the products as they brainstorm creative solutions – but that’s not all. Distributors can also stop in with clients, and are able to book the showroom to give buyers private tours – something that can include using the large screen television for sales presentations.

Additionally, the Promotional Products Superstore features a sample library from which distributors can borrow products to present to clients. Borrowing is free, provided the distributor returns the product within 48 hours. Meanwhile, distributors who register with the superstore will routinely receive free supplier catalogs and free monthly samples. In the spirit of community that Brown conceived the shared showroom in, there will also be special networking/camaraderie events throughout the year, from luncheons to barbecues and more.

The way Brown sees it, the showroom concept is a benefit to distributors and suppliers. The latter get their products before the eyes and into the hands of legitimate distributors. Meanwhile, distributors are empowered to serve as even better consultants to clients.

“This increases the dialog between suppliers and distributors,” Brown told Counselor. “And, when we can bring the end-user in, and really show them what we do, that builds relationships and makes us more valuable. We win as an industry.”

The superstore is scheduled to open April 1^st. So far, about 100 salespeople have preregistered, Brown said. They hail from various western states, including Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and Idaho. Still, distributors and suppliers from across the country are welcomed to come aboard. “Maybe you’re an East Coast distributor with a client in the area and you want to meet with them here. Maybe you’re in (nearby) Park City for a skiing trip and a client calls looking for ideas. We’d welcome you coming by,” said Brown.

Brown is housing the superstore in the building that’s served as his distributorship’s headquarters at 360 S. West Temple Street. He told Counselor that he has moved his office to a higher floor.

Eventually, Brown could expand the shared showroom concept to more locations. “We have to walk before we run,” he told Counselor. “We’re in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metro areas, and that’s a perfect place to start. Down the road, nine months to a year or so, we’ll make some assessments and possibly look to expand to select markets across the country.”

For more information, go to www.showroompromos.com.