2017 PGA Merchandise Show Recap

Written by: Pete Kinney - Director of Business Development, Pro Shop
 

2017 is a big year for both our industry and our members. We have a HUGE opportunity in front of us to "take back" the pro shop business - and that is our goal.

What do I mean by that?

I had this conversation with many people at the PGA Merchandise Show. In 2016, we saw a dramatic condensing of off-course channels after businesses like Golfsmith and Sports Authority closed their doors. This opened the door for us to "take back" the pro shop business. In order to do this, VGM Club is focused on leveraging our buying power to negotiate with new/existing suppliers. Our goal is to seize this opportunity and help our golf professionals and buyers significantly grow their bottom line.

That was the thought I walked away with after my 27th PGA Show Merchandise Show.

This year's show took me back to my days as a Head Professional. Back then, I was shopping for suppliers that would bring unique value to the golfers at my pro shop. This year was largely no different. The only difference was this year I was looking for 3,500+ pro shops! My PGA Show years at Bridgestone Golf were spent launching new products and trying to be heard. This year's show brought me back to my roots.

This coincides with my takeaway from this year's show. We suddenly find ourselves in a changing industry - it is paramount we find suppliers for our members that offer unique products at an affordable price. Currently, we have an impressive line-up of supplier partners in the category, but our goal is to push forward. We are committed to broadening our solutions. We are determined to make VGM Club the place PGA Professionals and pro shop buyers turn to for those solutions.

What are we looking for?

Everything! We are specifically looking to broaden our member's choices within the apparel category. But that is not all. We are also concentrating on the technological offerings that exist in the marketplace. We are challenging every current and future supplier to be creative in offering our clubs turn-key tournament prize options as well.

Bottom-line, VGM Club is looking to significantly grow the number of pro shop supplier partners in our portfolio - and we are already off and running.

How can you keep up with our progress?

Keep up to date on our email communications, periodically browse our pro shop supplier page and visit your myVGMClub dashboard.