The AAM Group has again stepped up to support local jobbers in the SEMA marketplace by launching the “Buy Online, Pickup in Store” (BOPIS) purchase-fulfillment system. BOPIS adds an option to a participating supplier’s site through which online customers can place orders. The AAM Group then fulfills those orders via an AAM distribution member to each customer’s nearest local shop—which receives payment for the sale and completes in-person handoff to the customer.
The arrangement allows suppliers to serve consumers who are ready to buy online without diverting sales from local shops, while jobbers benefit from the high visibility of supplier websites and get the opportunity to perform installations and build new customer relationships.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Lippert and CURT to bring BOPIS to life,” said AAM Vice President of Operations David Ayers. “This initiative is a game-changer for local jobbers, offering them unparalleled opportunities to connect with new customers while strengthening their presence in the ever-evolving automotive aftermarket. By combining the convenience of e-commerce with the personalized touch of in-store service, we’re empowering our warehouse customers to grow their businesses and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
BOPIS is the latest example of AAM’s unwavering commitment to supporting local jobbers in a way that also benefits its members and supplier partners. AAM launched BOPIS in partnership with Lippert because they also recognize the critical role that healthy local jobbers play in the success of the entire automotive aftermarket ecosystem. The BOPIS functionality is currently live on the websites for CURT, LUVERNE, and UWS. Eventually, BOPIS will become available to other AAM supplier partners who share AAM’s vision for supporting local shops.
“We really try to stay true to who we are as a manufacturer and focus on driving foot traffic and sales through our customers,” said SVP of Lippert Automotive Sales Shane McNallie. “This ultimately leads to the best installation experiences for the consumer.”
About The AAM Group
Automotive Accessories Marketing USA, Inc. (The AAM Group) is the largest distribution group in the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) marketplace. Now in its 37th year, the corporation was founded by eight high-performance warehouse distributors that sought to achieve cooperative-scaled purchasing and marketing advantages. The AAM Group now counts 27 member companies operating 76 distribution centers throughout North America.
Headquartered in Piney Flats, Tenn., The AAM Group manages product purchasing and marketing for distributors, jobbers, and suppliers affiliated with four flagship retail marketing programs: Engine Pro®, Parts Pro, Performance Corner®, and Total Truck Centers. Leveraging a strategic blend of marketing tactics, including turnkey social media, local-optimized website design, physical store flyers, videography, and multi-channel news distribution, The AAM Group equips and influences local jobbers on behalf of its members and supplier partners.
