The Home Depot returns to the International Builders' Show (IBS), the world's largest annual light construction show, for the first time in 16 years. On the show floor, the company built a 4,900 square-foot booth complete with a flatbed truck as a stage.
The Home Depot Pro booth stood out at the crowded trade show for a unique reason: there weren’t any products in it. Instead, the team showcased the extensive capabilities that simplify how professional customers (Pros) buy what they need for complex projects.
Most Pros already shop in Home Depot stores, but many weren't aware of the ways the retailer can support their projects with capabilities that go beyond the stores, including jobsite deliveries, order management and project planning tools, as well as an extensive product assortment that allows Home Depot to sell the whole project from start to finish.
IBS gave The Home Depot team an opportunity to introduce Pros to features that complement their store experience and serve them in the unique ways they like to shop. For example, the company has been building outside and inside sales teams that offer dedicated support and expanding its financing options through trade credit with delayed invoicing and payment terms. It also supports digital integrations with more than 40 construction management tools to meet Pros where they shop.
Currently, the average Pro shops at more than 10 different suppliers for a single project. The Home Depot wants to save them time by becoming the one-stop supplier for every type of Pro project and purchase.
Throughout the three-day event, Home Depot associates connected with thousands of Pros wanting to learn more about how The Home Depot could help them. They were on hand to show Pros, face-to-face, how these new capabilities could save them time. “Our in-person demonstrations have been a game changer and eye-opener for many Pros,” said Chip Devine, senior vice president of Pro sales.
The relationships built at IBS will not only allow The Home Depot to continue to help Pros save time but also build their businesses as the company develops its Pro capabilities.
