BJ’s selects PromoWorks to run demo biz

BJ’s Wholesale Club is outsourcing and expanding its product demonstration program with the help of Crossmark’s PromoWorks division.

Plans call for PromoWorks to manage, enhance and ultimately expand the company’s demo and events program. BJ’s current demo and events staff, made up of approximately 1,400 employees, will be given priority to apply for the demo program with PromoWorks, which plans to grow the current program by more than 25% or about 500 jobs, the companies said it a joint statement.

“Demos and sampling are critical to a positive member shopping experience,” said Laura Sen, president and CEO of BJ’s. “After extensive examination of our demo and events program, we came to the conclusion that to build on BJ’s already-strong program, the company needed to add specialized expertise and resources, which is why BJ’s chose to work with PromoWorks, one of the most innovative events companies out there.”

PromoWorks expects to complete the transition of BJ’s demo program - conducting hiring fairs for current BJ’s demo team members, adding new demo staff and training the entire team by the end of April 2014. The newly expanded program will ultimately be comprised of more than 2,000 people.

“I’m confident that the enhanced program will come together quickly because it will be built on the strong foundation established by BJ’s knowledgeable and passionate demo team members,” said Crossmark EVP Jim Norred. “Our goal is to elevate the current program from an already solid foundation, further enhancing the shopping experience for BJ’s Members while creating potential career and training opportunities for BJ’s current Demo team.”

BJ’s operates 201 warehouse clubs throughout the Eastern United States offering roughly 7,000 items.