Do it Best recaps highlights -- including a $105.8 million rebate

At the 2011 Do it Best Fall Market in Indianapolis, the co-op distributed $105.8 million in combined rebates to member dealers. It was the eighth straight year that the distribution exceeded $100 million. 

“The distribution of these rebates to our member-owners is one of the most important and rewarding things we do,” said Bob Taylor, Do it Best Corp. president and CEO. “Even in the face of challenging economic times, our team is proud to demonstrate our commitment to the bottom line through operational efficiency and continuous improvement in our programs and services."

Business improvement again played a major role at the market. One lesson emphasized this year was the importance of developing a power department within the store. The best retailers, according to Taylor, make strong statements within their markets in their attempt to own various categories.

"Folks sometimes get hung up worrying too much about the competition and not enough about their own business," he told Home Channel News.

The co-op also emphasized the idea of customer rewards as a concept for 2012. 

Attendees of the market also had a chance to learn some life lessons from the world-famous basketball analyst Dick Vitale. The former coach and longtime ESPN analyst gave a spirited presentation that included the four Ds of success -- desire, determination, discipline and dedication. "It really resonated with the crowd, and we received so many great comments," Taylor said.

Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Do it Best Corp. also reported gross sales of $2.41 billion for the fiscal year, which ends in June. That's up from $2.38 billion in the prior year.

So far in 2011, sales are running 8% ahead of last year, he said. Also welcome was the fact that 2010 was the first year since 2006 that all of the co-op's sales categories finished ahead of the previous year.

"There are some things starting to move in a more positive direction," Taylor said.