Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based Nationwide Marketing Group has invested in Retailer Web Services, a provider of digital automation, e-commerce, web design and intelligent software solutions designed for independent retailers of durable home goods, including mattresses.
The investment in privately held RWS more closely will integrate RWS’s solution suite with Nationwide’s digital platform to provide a complete digital marketing toolset, according to the companies.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
“We have been part of the Nationwide Marketing Group family for over 15 years, working closely with Nationwide to drive the adoption of new technologies focused on the needs of independent retailers,” said Jim Kane, founder and chief executive officer of RWS, based in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Nationwide’s investment in RWS will enable us to better equip Nationwide members and vendors with the digital marketing tools and technologies they need to succeed in today’s retail environment.”
Building on the recent merger between Nationwide and Mega Group USA, RWS and Nationwide will be looking to expand the adoption rates for RWS’s software solutions for e-commerce and for customer relationship management, a news release said.
“RWS has been Mega Group’s most trusted digital vendor, and we worked together on many exciting projects that helped our members stay relevant as the internet radically changed the retail environment,” said Rick Bellows, executive vice president of Nationwide and former CEO of Mega Group USA.
Along with the investment from Nationwide, RWS announced the launch of AdRocket, an automated digital promotion placement solution.
“There are many companies that run digital ads, but the quality, execution and reporting vary dramatically,” said Jennie Gilbert, RWS chief operating officer. “With RWS’s experience automating promotions, coupled with Nationwide’s expertise in vendor promotions and retail analytics, we are uniquely positioned to buy and execute more effective digital campaigns for our retailer customers.”
