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Why Join? Retailer Benefits!

The AWSI board has been busy putting together a plethora of new benefits for our Retail Members by working with The Board Retailers Association. All these benefits are part of your AWSI membership. These benefits will be available to interested distributors for an additional fee of $100 dollars.

INDUSTRY DEMO, retailer symposium with Industry Party in St. Petersburg Monday and Tuesday September 17th and 18th after Surf Expo.

The BRA Retail University -  The educational arm of the Board Retailers Association is developing a  convenient on-line educational module in order that every board sport retail employee can complete a fully comprehend board sport retail sales training program. The on-line module is a self-directed learning package designed to empower employees with the knowledge and confidence to apply their retail skills while also gaining recognition. There are two certification levels. The Action Sports Specialist is geared towards retail employees, while the Action Sports Management Specialist is a continuing education program designed for retail owners and managers. The latter program addresses the often complex issues of buying, HR and other industry specific issues. The Retail University is designed with all board sports in mind. This program has been funded and is slated for release in July. AWSI Member Benefit – AWSI members receive free access to the BRA Retail University.

ActionWatch - AWSI Members will be encouraged to participate in the ActionWatch program. Action Watch provides retailers industry specific stats in exchange for their participation in the program. ActionWatch collects disparate sales and inventory data from multiple retailers in the industry, translates the data into a common language and then merges it to create broad market reports. These reports are given to retailers in exchange for their participation and sold to industry manufacturers. AWSI Member Benefit – AWSI members who participate receive free access to the Action Watch program stats.

Action Sports Interactive - Action Sports Interactive operates three of the largest action sports information portals for consumers. ASI is a leader in driving consumers to local stores, and operates the largest directory and guide of action sports retailers online. ASI also offers a number of services for retailers which help boost sales, store traffic, and help better establish relationships with their customer base.  AWSI Member Benefit – AWSI members receive 20% off of most ASI services.

Allodic Marketing, Inc. - Allodic’s primary business is the creation of multi-media digital advertisements and the operation of dynamic digital advertising networks that target highly specific consumer segments at point-of-purchase.  Allodic acts as the intermediary partner between the retail location and the vendors whose products are sold there.  It is their objective to add value across the supply chain in order to drive sales and increase brand awareness.
AWSI Member Benefit –  Members receive 15% off digital display content design.

Amazon. COM - Receive discounts on new and used books, computer and electronic equipment, and every other product sold on-line including Retail Success by George Whalin and Retail Management:  A Strategic Approach, 10/E by Barry Berman and Joel R. Evans, for example. AWSI Member Benefit – Receive between 10 – 20% off every Amazon. COM purchase.

American Health Value - AHV provides Packaged Discount Programs related to Health Savings Accounts (HSA). AWSI Member Benefit – Packaged Discount Programs and FREE prescription discount card.

CB Richard Ellis - CB Richard Ellis is a commercial real estate company providing financing and management services. Doug Works understands the specific real estate needs of board sports related businesses. He can help identify locations, negotiate leases and provide up-to-date market intelligence. AWSI Member Benefit -  Members receive discounts on consulting services.

Dell Small Business - Dell has every Point of Sale hardware, software and peripheral you can imagine from payment terminals to touch screen monitors to bar code scanners.  Dell also conveniently bundles fully operational packages at additionally discounted rates for AWSI members. AWSI Member Benefit- Dell offers AWSI members up to a 20% discount.

Earthpack - Earthpack is an innovative packaging company that has taken recycling to a higher level by supplying recycled retail packaging to environmentally conscious merchants and merchandisers. AWSI Member Benefit - AWSI Members receive a discount on orders.

Shipping - Whether you’re shipping inbound to your store or business, or outbound to your customers, the AWSI Freight Savings Plan can help you save on shipping expenses. You will receive special savings on select FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx international and FedEx Kinko’s services. AWSI Member Benefit - Save up to 21% on select services.

Gateway - Computer Packages and POS Software. AWSI Member Benefit – Receive 10 – 20% off all Gateway purchases, including sale prices.

Heartland Payment Systems - Heartland Payment Systems, Inc. provides credit and debit card, payroll and related processing services to retail merchants. AWSI Member Benefit – Processing rates based on volume.

Intermarket Insurance Agency - Intermarket has a strong presence as a provider of PERSONAL (auto/home/umbrella/life /long term care and disability) and BUSINESS insurance products and services. AWSI Member Benefit – Contact Intermarket for premium rates.

Open To Buy Retail Systems - Open To Buy Software helps to reduce markdowns and stop overbuying. The affordable and complete software solution has helped thousands of specialty retailers. AWSI Member Benefit – Software discount, free customer support and a money-back guarantee.

PayChoice Payroll Processing - PayChoice provides AWSI members direct deposit, omni checks, payroll cards, time clocks and more.  PayChoice also helps AWSI members with tax filings and ensuring protection from penalties.  AWSI Member Benefit - Be sure to ask about additional benefits like 401(k)s, insurance, and worker’s compensation.

POS Software Buyer’s Guide - Use this guide to learn how to quickly find and choose reliable Point of Sale Software and avoid costly mistakes.  Whether you are upgrading your current system or buying an entirely new system, the guide is equally beneficial. AWSI Member Benefit - The POS Software Buyers Guide provides AWSI Members with a 20% discount on the purchase price of the book.

Quickbooks - Quickbooks provides one of the most popular Point of Sale Software Systems, in addition to other helpful applications for retailers including customer management software, basic accounting software and great consulting and expertise. AWSI Member Benefit – AWSI customers receive 20% off of the purchase price including sale prices. 

Sage Island Interactive Marketing Agency - Sage Island provides strategy, design, development and marketing services to businesses. Whether it's a single graphic design or an integrated campaign that spans multiple media, our exceptionally creative team of marketing professionals collaborates to deliver the Ultimate Design. AWSI Member Benefit - Discounted Web Hosting and Email Services

Trio Displays - Retail Design, Equipment and Graphics. Trio Displays supplies retail displays and fixtures as well as consulting with clients on retail planning issues. AWSI Member Benefit – Receive discounts on all retail displays and fixtures.

Valutec Card Solutions - Valutec is the largest company providing gift cards and customer retention solutions. AWSI Member Benefit – Valutec provides gift card rates at nearly half the price of other competitors.