Business
Episode Summary: Chad Christensen is the Group Vice President of Wholesale at Leslie’s. Today known as “The World’s Largest Retailer of Swimming Pool Supplies”, Leslie’s had a humble start when it was founded 54 years ago in March 1963 as a small pool supply operation working out of a backyard shed in North Hollywood, California. Leslie’s pool professional customers have always had access to their 925 store locations and over 17 commercial locations; but now, they will be able to enjoy the convenience of being able to shop for all their needs through the brand new Leslie’s Pro website at www.lesliespro.com. Chad explains why Leslie’s decided to launch the website, taking into account rapid changes in consumer behavior in the last 18 months. For pool trade professionals specifically, this new online platform by Leslie’s offers the ability to source and view inventory across their entire store network and the ability to view both wholesale and retail pricing with ease. Overall, convenience and a personalized shopping experience is Leslie’s ultimate goal with the launch of the Leslie’s Pro website. Topics Discussed: 01:12 - Catching up with Chad 02:55 - Why Leslie’s launched their new Pro website 04:00 - Designed specifically for pool professionals 05:14 - How consumer mindset has changed 08:47 - Convenience before & after hours 10:08 - The design and functionality of the website 13:12 - Share your feedback on the website 18:38 - How it adapts to the pool pro schedules 23:17 - The top three features of the website 24:39 - How to sign up for Leslie’s Pro website 27:41 - Different options to receive the ordered product 33:40 - What Leslie’s does to manage inventory 39:12 - Using a credit account to purchase products 39:35- New enhancements to the Pro Partner Program Sponsors: Leslie’s Pentair S.R. Smith Acid Magic Connect with Guest: Website Pro Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Connect with Pool Chasers: Website Instagram Facebook Facebook Group Twitter YouTube Patreon Key Quotes from Episode: Leslie’s, as a company, has wanted to be at the forefront for all of our customers to have the platforms and the ability for them to shop the way they want to shop and in the way they feel most comfortable. The ultimate goal [for the new Leslie’s Pro website] is to provide the opportunity for pool trade professionals the avenue and the platform to shop the way they want to shop. You look at what Leslie’s has done in the last year-and-a-half: We’ve completely converted our business to be an omni-business, because you have the functionality of being able to buy online and pick up in store and see real-time inventory in that area.