ATLANTA – Judges and Medtrade attendees cast their votes for the top three products in the biannual Innovative HME Retail Product Awards (sponsored by HomeCare magazine), with Pride Mobility taking first place for its Go Go Folding Scooter. Manufacturer representatives from all eight finalists made presentations in what proved to be a tight race for the top three awards. “The caliber of the entrants has gotten better every year,” said Jim Greatorex, Business Development, VGM Retail Services. “The manufacturers are realizing they need more than just a product. They must also have a marketing package to help sell it to consumers.”
Medtrade Monday spoke with Scott Meuser, chairman and CEO of Pride Mobility Products, to get more insight into the Go Go Folding Scooter, as well as his overall sense of the industry as we head into 2016.
Greg Thompson, editor, Medtrade Monday: Why do you think attendees voted for your product?
Scott Meuser, chairman and CEO, Pride Mobility Products: It’s become an increasingly consumer-driven market on all sides of DME, including retail. Providers and those in the industry who know the market, see what consumers see. I think attendees voted for the Go-Go Folding Scooter because its style, functionality, and innovation key into consumer needs and wishes so well. It’s a product that doesn’t just show as a DME product, but as a “lifestyle product.”
Thompson: What is your level of optimism these days when it comes to the DME industry? Why are you optimistic?
Meuser: I’ve never been more optimistic for the DME industry. Yes, there remain legislative issues. However, in the larger and long-term picture, DME has never been more promising. For the senior demographic that’s dramatically expanding, we have the unique ability to supply sustained lifestyle products that keep consumers healthier, safer, and more active. On the complex rehab side, consumer-inspired technology and innovations aren’t only focusing on medical comfort, but also quality of life. There’s never been a more rewarding, exciting time to be in DME.
Thompson: What kind of marketing help/advice can you offer to DME providers who may want to carry your product?
Meuser: We have a veteran team of marketing and retail DME experts who aren’t there to just support providers but truly partner in their success. From advantageous floor-plan advice to point-of-sale displays to collateral materials, we are a full-service marketing and sales partner solution.
Thompson: Do you plan to be at Medtrade Spring 2016?
Meuser: Absolutely. We’re dedicated to being wherever providers need us, and deeply value the interaction that Medtrade facilitates.
Top three winners of the Innovative HME Retail Product Awards (sponsored by HomeCare mag):
#1 Go Go Folding Scooter from Pride Mobility with 181 points
#2 Recovery Patches from KT Tape with 158 points
#3 DayDreamer Lift Chair from Golden Technologies with 126
The eight finalists (listed in alphabetical order) were:
1) Back Joy Care Bath Seat (bath safety product)
2) Drive Hurry Cane (walking cane)
3) Golden Technologies DayDreamer (lift chair)
4) ING Calf Sleeve and Wrist Sleeve (compression/orthopedic)
5) KT Tape Recovery Patches (elastic tape for pain relief)
6) MMJ Labs Buzzy Vibracool (massaging ice therapy)
7) Pik Stiks TelescoPik (reacher/activity of daily living product)
8) Pride Go Go Folding Scooter (rehab/mobility)
“The Innovative HME Retail Product Awards remain relevant in today’s HME world, and we developed a new word—caretailing—to properly describe the growing retail phenomenon,” added Kevin Gaffney, group show director, Medtrade. “Caretailing is defined as the act of providing customer service and expertise to consumers willing to pay cash for health-related products that improve their lives, and are beyond the usual scope of Medicare and other third-party payers.”
See More Great New Products at Medtrade Spring 2016
LAS VEGAS – Early registration for Medtrade Spring, the Spring version of the nation’s premiere HME-focused trade show, is on. The show is scheduled for Feb 29-March 2, 2016, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Those who register early can save $75 on the price of the Expo, and more than $200 on the Conference portion of Medtrade Spring.
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https://registration.experientevent.com/showMTH162/default.aspx?flowcode=Attendee