The VAR Guy

Avnet is expanding the reach of its RetailPath SolutionPath through its latest partnership with the National Retail Federation. Under the partnership deal, Avnet is now a NRF-qualified distributor that offers the technology needed for retail and has the ability to proctor the exam to VARs who desire an NRF certification. Read on for more information …

The retail market is a bit different from traditional IT channel markets, and the NRF Professional Retail Business Credential is proof a VAR knows all the ins and outs of retail-focused technology needs. General data center and related technology won’t cut it in the retail vertical;  a retail VAR needs to serve the entire retail chain, from warehouse to customer service.

Through Avnet’s partnership with the NRF, VARs working with Avnet will be trained in the seven specific tenants of the retail channel:

retail operations

merchandising

sales and marketing

retail management and planning

the retail context and customer

the retail organization and human resources

warehousing and logistics

Avnet’s RetailPath is now an educational resource hub for obtaining the NRF credential, and will also provide partners with the traditional SolutionPath tools, playbooks and marketing needs to reach the retail marketplace. Once a partner is ready, Avnet can proctor the 75-question assessment that will qualify a VAR with the NRF and earn the Professional Retail Business Credential. Plus, Avnet will make house calls, enabling the exam to be taken at a VAR’s own office.

Through RetailPath, vertical-focused VARs can gain the necessary education and training needed to solve the unique issues of the the retail space, enabling them to become that trusted adviser to their customers. That means differentiation, and that’s something partners are always looking to do.

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