Furniture World News Desk on
8/14/2025
The National Alliance of Trade Merchants Buying Corporation (NATM) concluded its 2025 Vendor Conference with over 400 attendees and more than 100 participating brands. Held at the Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star, the four-day event featured strategic business discussions between top vendors and executive leadership from NATM’s 11 member retailers.
With $8.7 billion in annual buying power and 72% national market coverage, NATM includes: Abt, ABC Warehouse, Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom, BrandsMart USA, Cowboy Maloney’s, Electronic Express, Nebraska Furniture Mart, P.C. Richard & Son, RC Willey, Video Only, and Walt’s. Participating brands this year included LG, Samsung, Sony, Electrolux, and Xumo TV.
“This year’s conference proved that when we align data, insight, and relationships, we don’t just move the needle—we reshape the future of independent retail,” said John Riddle, Head of NATM, now in his third year leading the organization.
A Format Built for Strategic Engagement
Unlike traditional trade shows, the NATM Vendor Conference is invitation-only and structured to foster direct, executive-level meetings. The format included private retailer sessions, CEO roundtables, a vendor showcase, and a leadership dinner—each designed to strengthen vendor-member alignment.
“It’s incredibly well put together. To have the ability to meet with 11 different retailers in just a few days’ time is remarkable. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event,” said Jason Chambers, Head of Retail Sales & Partnerships, Xumo TV.
New categories were also emphasized at the 2025 event, with premium audio and outdoor grill products showcased prominently. Premium Audio Company (PAC), which includes brands like Klipsch and Onkyo, participated as NATM’s first major audio partner.
Advancing Intelligence Across the Network
NATM continues to focus on data and long-term strategy. The conference introduced four active, member-led committees aimed at enhancing data sharing and vendor alignment.
“We’re giving our members the ability to see around corners,” said Riddle. “When we aggregate data and collaborate, we uncover patterns that would be invisible to a single retailer.”
Preparing for 2026
Looking ahead, NATM is planning investments in real-time performance dashboards, product-specific summits, and new event formats focused on cross-member collaboration.
“We’re not just a buying group anymore,” Riddle added. “We’re a strategic engine. And we’re just getting started.”
For more information on the 2026 NATM Vendor Conference, visit www.natmvendor.com.
About NATM Buying Corporation
Founded in 1970, the National Alliance of Trade Merchants (NATM) is a premier buying cooperative of 11 elite independent retailers across appliances, consumer electronics, and bedding—now with a growing presence in premium audio and outdoor grills. NATM’s member companies include: Abt, ABC Warehouse, Appliance Factory & Mattress Kingdom, BrandsMart USA, Cowboy Maloney’s, Electronic Express, Nebraska Furniture Mart, P.C. Richard & Son, RC Willey, Video Only, and Walt’s. Through coordinated merchandising, proprietary analytics, and exclusive member events, NATM helps members and vendors unlock scalable growth. Learn more at www.natmvendor.com.
