NAMM Top 100 Dealer Awards Spotlight Retailer Excellence

Music-products industry retailers take center stage as NAMM presents the Top 100 Dealer Awards July 18 at Summer NAMM in Nashville. Entries are now being accepted for the awards, which focus on retailer excellence in eight “Best Of’ categories. The 2014 “Dealer of the Year” will be chosen from among the Top 100. Dubbed the ‘retail Oscars’ by Music Inc. magazine, NAMM’s Top 100 Dealer Awards was created to spotlight the industry’s very best music product retailers and share their stores’ strategies for success.

According to NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond, the Top 100 Dealers are the role models for music retailers’ success. “The Top 100 Dealer Awards recognizes NAMM Member retailers who have achieved a high level success in serving their customers in creative and innovative ways," Lamond said. "Music retailers work tirelessly, year-round to enrich their communities with music. NAMM Members shouldn't miss this chance to receive well-deserved recognition for their efforts from their peers, vendors and local community."

Businesses vying for Top 100 status are evaluated for innovative methods, resourceful approaches, and effective implementation of retail best practices. A panel of anonymous industry judges will score each entry to determine the category winners and Dealer of the Year. During the July 18 awards, excellence in eight divisions will be recognized from among the Top 100 Dealers. Categories include Best Exterior Presentation, Best Merchandising Display, Best Marketing and Sales Promotion, Best Online Presentation, SupportMusic Advocacy, Music Makes a Difference, Best Emerging Dealer “Rookie of the Year,” and Best Special Event.

Music retailers interested in earning Top 100 recognition can submit their entry describing what makes their store outstanding beginning now. New for 2014, NAMM commercial members and manufacturer representatives can recommend stores for the eight Top 100 Award categories. Entry deadline is March 31. The 2014 Top 100 Dealers will be notified on May 6. ‘Best Of’ category winners and Dealer of the Year will be announced July 18 during Summer NAMM in Nashville.

This year, Summer NAMM returns to Nashville’s state-of-the-art Music City Center, bringing thousands of buyers together with the best new products and services in the music-products industry. Summer NAMM is the place to be to stock retail shelves for holiday, and line up strategies for second half of the year success.

Registration for Summer NAMM 2014 opens April 2. Booth space for exhibitors is available now. For more information on attending the Show and any of the great sessions and events, visit /summer/2014.

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