Episode 165: Leslie's Pro Website with Chad Christensen
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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 - How the site is designed specifically for pool trade professional
05:14 - Consumer confidence has changed for online shopping
08:47 - Convenience before & after hours
10:08 - How Leslie’s decided on the design and functionality of the website
13:12 - Leslie’s wants your feedback on the website
18:38 - How Leslie’s Pro adapts to your schedule as a pool professional
23:17 - The top three features of the website
24:39 - How to sign up to become a member at Leslie’s Pro
27:41 - Chad explains the different options you have to receive the product you ordered
33:40 - What Leslie’s does to manage inventory on the website
39:12 - How to use a credit account to purchase products on the website
39:35 - Feedback and new enhancements Pro Partner Program
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.
