Over 100 RV dealers and dozens of suppliers attended the AIM Wholesale distributor show in Mesa, Arizona, last week.
The event was the 20th year the company hosted the distributor show. Liane Reid, AIM’s outside sales and marketing director, said the event was welcomed by dealers and vendors.
“It was a great turnout,” Reid said. “We had about a 25% increase in vendors, hoping to move some products, from last year.
Dealers were especially thrilled many large RV suppliers chose to participate this year, she said.
Leanne Denman, Lippert Components’ national sales manager for interior products, said the company had eight booths highlighting aftermarket products such as outdoor furniture, jacks and water heaters.
“It was nice to feature a lot of the new products,” Denman said. “(It) is exciting for dealers to see what’s coming down the pipe for innovation with Lippert.”
AIM implemented an electronic ordering system for the first time this year. Reid said early order totals indicated the event was a success.
Deman said: “It was a really good show. Being face-to-face and able to see you and do the deals in front of you … everyone was excited being there. AIM is always great support as well.”
Denman said the RV market is solid if vendors are creative and work well with dealers interested in Lippert’s lineup.
Reid said training sessions at the show were popular because dealers, especially local dealers, found it valuable to have the techs drop by for education. Many of the classes qualified for RVIA/RVDA certification hours.
Reid said the company’s new Denver warehouse is in full operation and the company’s future looks bright.
“We have strategically put ourselves in a very good position to anticipate 2023 being a good year for us,” she said.
