POWERGRAMS

100% CONNECTED Birmingham-area employees can soon shop for iPads, curved and 4K televisions, power recliners and other electric products without stepping foot outside Corporate Headquarters. On Nov. 3, Appliance Sales and Service will move into the atrium Power Gallery, just in time for the holidays. Employees will have the opportunity to see the latest products, review available brands and make purchases. "We are bringing our products and services to employees at Corporate Headquarters to make it as convenient as possible for them to shop with us," said Merchandise Sales Manager Kevin Grice. Along with the usual appliances and electronics, the sales floor will feature the latest smart appliances, tablets, flat-screen TVs and power equipment. Home theater couches and recliners, media consoles and medical lift chairs will be on display. Moving to the Power Gallery is only one of the changes Appliance Sales and Service is implementing for the benefit of employees and other customers. The organization has a new overriding philosophy driving its business, said Products and Services Director Mike Little. "We're trying to enhance core value in everything we do," said Little. "We knew if we wanted to continue to add value to the company's overall goals, we had to change to a customer service- driven business. We are a one-team, one-goal organization where sales and service are equally important when serving customers." The employee website, employeeappliancecenter.southernco.com, has been updated to provide pricing and product information, as well as market-exclusive programs directly to employees. As part of that new direction, Appliance Sales and Service has launched the Friends and Family program. Employee family members and friends can receive 20 percent discounts off all regularly priced merchandise. They can also save 20 percent on appliance parts and extended service agreements (ESA), and make purchases at no interest for 12 months. Employees can register up to 10 friends and family members for these benefits by logging onto the website. Those who have been added to the program will receive a Friends and Family membership via email to use all year. Retiree access to the site will be available before year-end. Grice said Friends and Family is already a huge success. About 75 percent of people who have made purchases as a result of being enrolled in the program are first-time buyers. "The program is allowing employees to get plugged in by encouraging them to tell friends and family in their communities about our products and services," said Grice, adding it has already brought in more than $500,000 in revenue. Stephanie Isbell, e-business specialist, Marketing-Merchandise Operations, knows firsthand how well the program is working. Learning that her friend, Kim Hodges, was in the market for a washer and dryer, Isbell signed her up for the program. As a result, Hodges bought not only a laundry pair but also a refrigerator. "Due to the discount opportunity, there was no reason not to go ahead and purchase all three products," Hodges said. "I have always appreciated the knowledgeable service department and quick repair time, and now I also have the ESA and service discount. I love the continued communication through email regarding ongoing sales." Prattville Merchandise Salesman John Wilkerson said registering his neighbor, Lee McKenzie, for the program caused him to choose a grill carried by Alabama Power instead of the brand he had planned to buy. McKenzie then passed the word along, convincing one of his friends to buy a similar grill from Alabama Power. Little said Appliance Sales and Service is partnering with Marketing and local offices to help meet customer needs. The new Business Partners program lets major account managers offer industrial and commercial customer employees discounts on merchandise, parts and warranties. Appliance Sales and Service is working with Residential Marketing to develop merchandise offers to enhance relationships with builders. "These are win-win partnerships," Little said. "When customers walk into our office, all they see is Alabama Power. No matter what a customer needs, we want to be of service. If we do that well, then those customers are more likely to come back down the road and make a purchase." Appliance Sales and Service is reaching out to Southern Company Services employees in Alabama, who can now save on their purchases with a 20 percent discount off everyday prices. Little said by buying merchandise from Alabama Power, employees get more than a new product. "Employees not only get a fantastic price, but they are contributing to our company's net income goals, which are directly related to our Performance Pay Plan (PPP)," he said. "Why wouldn't you purchase from your own company, not only from a loyalty standpoint but also because it affects your own pocketbook?" By Carla Davis Appliance Sales and Service extends bargains across state 2 Distribution towers first sent electricity from Lay Dam to customers a century ago. Photo from Alabama Power Archives. ON THE COVER: Appliance Sales and Service: • Has sold appliances since 1922 and serviced them since 1932. • Operates 88 stores statewide. • Services more ZIP codes than any appliance retailer in Alabama. • Ranks as the 68th-largest retailer of appliances and electronics in the nation. Queen Johnson, Kimberly Agee assist customers in Birmingham. Photo by Christopher Jones

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