Marco Revah (Consumer Distributing): Revival of An Innovative Retail Concept

The Retail Insider Podcast Network

Entrepreneur Marco Revah has plans to revive the once-iconic Consumers Distributing brand. Closed for over a quarter-century, Consumers Distributing was known for its pioneering retail model. Revah, a seasoned retail veteran, aims to breathe new life into the brand with an updated concept, Consumers Distributing 2.0, designed to cater to modern consumers and their changing shopping preferences.

Founded in 1957, the original Consumers Distributing quickly became a staple in Canadian shopping culture. The retailer’s unique approach allowed customers to browse products in-store or order from catalogs, with goods not already in-store being delivered to their doorstep. This innovative concept was revolutionary for its time, offering a wide array of products including electronics, furniture, appliances, and toys. However, the original brand faced challenges due to its limited product availability over time, which Revah says that he aims to tackle with his ambitious project.

Revah, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich history in the retail industry in Canada and the US, has acquired the rights to the Consumers Distributing name. With a fresh approach, Consumers Distributing 2.0 will reimagine the retail experience by collaborating closely with third-party distributors to ensure products are readily available and directly shipped to customers. This move is a strategic response to the current dominance of e-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba.

The heart of Consumers Distributing 2.0 lies in its blend of the digital and physical. Revah envisions large “big box” showrooms of up to 300,000 square feet that provide customers the opportunity to interact with products before making a purchase. These showrooms, housed in former retail spaces such as Nordstrom stores in Canada, will serve as touch-points for customers seeking a tactile shopping experience. Additionally, the brand will offer an online platform where distributors can showcase their products, creating a comprehensive shopping ecosystem.

For physical stores, Revah says he’s interested in speaking to landlords Cadillac Fairview and Oxford Properties about occupying former Nordstrom spaces. He’s also interested in former JC Penney and Macy’s locations in the US for Consumers Distributing.

Revah’s innovative approach extends to the membership model he plans to introduce. For a one-time fee of $89, members will gain access to a range of benefits, including a 5% discount on purchases and complimentary refreshments while shopping. In a departure from traditional warehouse clubs, Consumers Distributing 2.0 will welcome all customers without membership checks at the entrance, ensuring inclusivity.

While Consumers Distributing 2.0 is gearing up for its revival, Revah’s expansion strategy targets major Canadian cities like Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. The aim is to establish these cities as launchpads for Consumers Distributing showrooms, leveraging existing retail spaces for optimal impact. As the venture gains momentum, Revah remains open to considering purpose-built buildings for future expansion.

Interviewed this episode:

• Marco Revah, National Real Estate Director
• Consumers Distributing

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