Asian American C-store Group Partners With New Vendors

BALA CYNWYD, Pa. – The Asian American Trade Association Council (AATAC) recently partnered with two new vendors: Smokio, an electronic cigarette that automatically synchronizes with users' smartphones, and Future Energy Solutions (FES), a provider of energy-efficient lighting products.

AATAC is a national association encompassing several other associations, buying groups and trade organizations under a single blanket, and comprises more than 50,000 members controlling more than 80,000 locations.

It forms relationships with qualified entities that benefit the overall association, and promotes interaction between them and retailers through avenues such as private meetings, trade shows, sampling programs and promotions, and online communication channels.

"We are very proud to partner with AATAC to be able to offer Smokio to such a large number of retail outlets across the U.S.," said Alexandre Prot, co-founder of Smokio. "Convenience stores are one of the most important channels for our company, as these types of stores are where a majority of electronic cigarettes are sold. This is a natural extension of our growth and we are looking forward to the assistance AATAC can provide."

Smokio monitors e-cigarette consumption while tracking the health and economic benefits derived from transitioning from tobacco cigarettes to e-cigarettes, according to the company.

"Smokio is a very innovative product and company, and we are pleased to be supporting its distribution in the U.S.," said AATAC Executive Director Remy Isaac. "Most of our members, who currently sell electronic cigarettes at retail, will welcome a new product such as this one that will allow people to vape in a smart and connected way."

FES is offering AATAC members a custom lighting solution designed to reduce lighting energy consumption by 54 percent, professionally installed energy-efficient lighting fixtures and zero dollars spent on maintenance costs. These benefits may be enjoyed with zero capital exposure to the retailer, according to the announcement.

"AATAC promotes only the highest quality providers in all of our sectors. We are proud to endorse Future Energy Solutions among our associated affiliates," Isaac said. "FES' proven solutions will be able to generate significant savings to members' lighting electricity bills and lighting maintenance costs. This partnership will provide retailers with the confidence they need to embark upon this unique venture. These days, I do not know anyone who could afford to turn down free money with zero capital exposure."

AATAC will set up meetings with a select group of affiliates to introduce Future Energy Solutions' offer in the coming weeks. A greater number of AATAC members will have the chance to see the products firsthand at the AATAC Tampa trade show on Nov. 15.

"We are thrilled to join the select group of AATAC partners. Our goal is to provide AATAC's affiliates with the best energy-efficient lighting products in the most efficient and streamlined way," said Daniel Gold, CEO of Future Energy Solutions. "Our offer will allow retailers to divert cash that is currently being wasted in energy guzzling lighting fixtures and allow it to be allocated into what brings more revenue to their business -– whatever that may be. With AATAC's help, FES will be able to reach further into this highly fragmented and largely independent market, providing significant cost savings and an improved working environment."