2010 GMDC Marketing Conference – a great success!

The 40th Annual GMDC Marketing Conference completed this past week at the JW Marriott in Phoenix, provided the opportunity for the more than 950 member attendees to discuss general merchandise growth opportunities between manufacturers and retailer and wholesale members of the association. Attendees received updates from industry leaders on new trends and forecasts in the general merchandise area, front end merchandising, engaged in discussions regarding the challenges and opportunities at retail, heard from key retailers regarding their initiatives within general merchandise and interacted in valuable pre-scheduled business meetings between retail and wholesale members and the industry’s leading suppliers. The conference featured over 300 new products, merchandising concepts and promotional items presented in the GMDC Showcase, highlighting products that were identified as green, sustainable and form Minority and Women Owned businesses.

Saturday’s opening business program included remarks from GMDC President & CEO, Dave McConnell, who introduced a number the new programs available to members. New programs introduced included the newest online member of the GMDC staff, Genny, who will be helpful in assisting members navigate and answer questions on the GMDC website. Also introduced was the GMDC Product Spotlight and GMDC Industry Sourcing Guide, the first, a weekly e-cast that will deliver news to retail and wholesale members regarding new products, promotions, bonus packs and more. He also reviewed services now available to members on product recalls through a service provided to members from Recall Infolink and the first online training modules providing general merchandise category management training and battery category management training.

Retail and Wholesale executives and key supplier members then participated in the GMDC Roundtable Sessions, an interactive forum to discuss industry opportunities and issues. Some of the key topics of the Roundtables included; improving supply chain efficiencies, import challenges, growth and innovation in general merchandise, and front- end checkout opportunities, . Takeaways included ideas, thoughts, and solutions on theses important industry subjects. Supplier and Service Company members were also able to participate in the Retailer Focus Sessions “Meet the Retailer”. Retail members, H-E-B and Winn-Dixie shared key initiatives within their general merchandise departments and how supplier members can best support these initiatives.

On Sunday, attendees had the opportunity to participate in store tours to see first hand new and exciting merchandising concepts in general merchandise. Retail, Wholesale and Supplier members viewed new stores by Fry’s Marketplace, Pro Ranch Market, SJ’s Fine foods, and Sunflower Farmers Market. Store tours included guided overviews by store management and regional store operations.

The presentation on Monday by GMDC Director of Education and Wellness Programs, Chris DePetris, and Jerry Friedler, CEO, GFF Consulting provided an update on the study initiatives currently underway by the association regarding the value that general merchandise plays in the overall contribution at member stores. Part of the research will review recently completed quantitative research looking into the consumer shopping views affecting consumer spending and retail sales. Mr. Friedler also reviewed and proposed initial questions regarding successful retail companies’ organizational strategies within general merchandise departments, including personnel skill sets and mutual category planning in categories such as cleaning aids and home storage based on consumer shopping needs.

We look forward to next years GMDC General Merchandise Marketing Conference to be held June 3-7, 2011 in Orlando, Florida.