About

NARMS is actively involved in providing our members with quality education, research, networking, and member programs. NARMS is an association of people helping people.

Conceived in 1995 by five individuals with vision and leadership, the National Association for Merchandising Services (NARMS) was formally organized in 1996 with 40 merchandising service company (MSO) members. The association is headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Our official website, www.narms.com was launched in August 1996. 

The Recruiter debuted in 2002 providing members two recruitment areas on the NARMS website; The Recruiter and the JobBank. The Recruiter is a searchable database of field reps available for work. 

In 2003 the Field Marketing Services Association (FMSA), representing in-store promotions and demonstration companies, merged with NARMS. Independent food brokers (IFBA) joined NARMS in 2004. 

In 2003 the National Association for Merchandising Services changed its name to the National Association for Retail Marketing Services (NARMS^SM). NARMS is the only legal forum that brings together all facets of the retail services industry - retailer, manufacturer, and retail service company - to network, and discuss common issues and common solutions. 

NARMS membership is currently 530 companies and includes merchandising service organizations; event marketing, mystery shopping and demonstration companies; professional installation companies; independent food brokers, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers and associates. 

NARMS members gather each year at two conferences. The spring conference and annual meeting is held in April and the IFBA Top-to-Top Conference convenes in May. 

NARMS member companies perform nearly $3 billion in merchandising services, sales marketing, event marketing, demonstration and other retail services annually. The association promotes and establishes industry standards and provides critical industry research and educational information about the industry with member companies servicing such classes of trade as: grocery, drug, mass, department, home & building centers, computer and office supply, electronic, value retailers, specialty and convenience retailers.

NARMS Mission Statement
NARMS unites Retail Marketing Services Providers, Manufacturers, Retailers and Associated Industry Members in a trusted global association marketplace exemplified by professionalism and high ethical standards by providing a broad array of resources, innovative services, educational opportunities and accreditation and certification processes that help its diverse membership become more effective & efficient defined retail solutions through a recognized industry voice.