This month, I’m entering my 5^th year at NASGW. I can’t believe how quickly time passes. The old saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” most definitely applies to me. I love this organization, our mission, and the things we’ve accomplished. But most of all, I love the people.

One of the great privileges of being the President and Secretary at NASGW is that I get the opportunity to work with a number of different board of directors’ leaders. The association’s bylaws require a new board chair be elected every two years, meaning new and fresh ideas are always on tap.

For decades, two-step distribution has been the preferred method of getting products into the hands of consumers in the shooting industry. It's a method that has fallen by the wayside in other industries as large internet retailers like Amazon have disrupted product distribution. However, the shooting sports industry is different. With the high regulation environment, the inability to ship direct to consumers, and the FFL requirement, two-step distribution has remained the most efficient way to move products. Beyond the unique challenges of our industry here are a few other reasons why manufacturers have relied on NASGW wholesalers for their inventory and logistical needs. 

Our friends at Shooting Industry Magazine took some time to interview our association leaders during the NASGW Expo, to discuss the benefits of working with NASGW member wholesalers and utilizing two-step distribution. 

If you've been in the shooting sports industry for any length of time, you've probably had an interaction with a wholesale distributor; however, you may have never heard of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW). In fact, you may be surprised to know that NASGW has been around since 1954. The association's primary role over the last 60 plus years has been to bring shooting sports wholesalers and manufacturers together for our annual expo. Retailers have had little knowledge of our organization or the impact we've made in the industry. In the last few years, NASGW has made an effort increase that awareness and share the importance of working with NASGW wholesaler members and the benefits of two-step distribution. To you understand a little more about our association, here are four things firearms retailers need to know about NASGW.

In the last couple of years, social media has become a giant in the world of digital marketing. Many digital marketing experts would rank social media as the second most important marketing channel, only behind your website. But, social media for the shootings sports industry brings with it a few more challenges. In 2018 both YouTube and Facebook made snap decisions to change rules to what users can and cannot post. This was a big blow to many influencers in our industry, and many are still wading through the red tape to produce acceptable content. Are you using social media to promote your retail business? Have you found it more challenging? Here are a few ways that you can leverage social media for your business.

2018 has come to an end and with it my term as your NASGW Chairman. It has been an honor to serve this great organization.  We have a fantastic board and truly dedicated team at NASGW. I want to congratulate Laurie Aronson who will be taking the lead as Chairwoman in 2019. She is the perfect person for the job and her experience in the industry will be a tremendous asset leading NASGW forward.  I would also like to commend Laurie on making history at NASGW. She will be the first woman to lead our association.

In early December, my wife and I celebrated a rather remarkable milestone in our lives as we reached our 25^th year of marriage – the Silver Anniversary. Anyone who’s been married can tell you this is no easy task, and there were plenty of bumps and bruises. We’ve moved a total of 12 times, brought five children into the world, and each of us has held at least a few different jobs. I could surely bore you with lots of other markers along the way.

NASGW Wholesalers are a crucial hub within the shooting sports distribution channel. Wholesalers provide a plethora of benefits to manufacturers who utilize their services to get their products into the marketplace. But the manufacturers aren't the only people who benefit from working with a NASGW Wholesaler. When it comes to shooting sports retailers and dealers, the wholesalers are a game changer. Wholesalers are the go-to for products, market insight, and more. Here are five ways NASGW Wholesalers Help Retailers. 

We get it; things are a little more challenging in the "new normal." Consumers aren't lined up at the door like they were leading up to the 2016 election. The demand isn't what it use to be, or is it? Maybe retailers in the shooting sports industry just need to step their game up. But how? Marketing in this industry can be a challenge in itself. The media isn't always our friend and the population seems very divided. So what can retailers do to take their marketing to the next level? Here are a few marketing ideas to keep your audience engaged in the new normal.