This year, Lighting One, the largest lighting and home décor cooperative in North America, celebrates its 20th anniversary. Through the cooperative, showrooms – many now owned and operated by second and third generation family members – come together to purchase, network, and advertise. More than 320 lighting retailers benefit from the power of the group while maintaining their independent ownership. Coming together on common initiatives saves time and money, making members more profitable, sustainable, and effectively competes against the home centers and online retailers.
Lighting One started as a small group of lighting showroom owners known as Illucio in 1999. In 2001, CCA Global Partners® purchased the group after realizing its potential and transformed it into the Lighting One cooperative. Lighting One members benefit from the influence of CCA Global Partners in the home furnishings industry and gain knowledge from CCA’s winning strategies. In its 20-year transformation, the cooperative has grown from a purchasing-based group to a valuable resource with numerous business efficiency programs.
The Lighting One cooperative is member-owned and steered by a member Advisory Council. Additionally, Lighting One has added a “Next Generation” Advisory Council to add the perspective of future generation of owners.
“I am extremely proud of the continued success the cooperative has achieved in membership growth, support, and innovation in a rapidly changing industry. Congratulations to the Lighting One members, aligned vendors, and representatives who continue to support the cooperative and make Lighting One stronger and brighter,” says Gregg Garofalo, President of Lighting One.
The entire cooperative and its aligned vendor partners will celebrate their 20th anniversary in Dallas this summer at the annual Lighting One Convention, taking place June 17 and 18. Convention attendance has grown each year and Lighting One looks forward to its highest attendance yet in 2019.
Also in 2019, Lighting One plans to launch important improvements to its digital marketing program to increase members’ ability to drive leads to the showroom. This digital marketing program also provides members with an e-commerce enabled showroom product catalog so the internet-centric consumer can conveniently purchase from Lighting One members online.
If you are interested in learning more about Lighting One, please email membership@lightingone.com or look for a Lighting One staff member during Lightovation.
