Gildenberg Shares Thoughts With NARMS Retail Leaders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2009

Retail industry leaders gathering at the NARMS International Spring Conference & 14th Annual Meeting heard retail industry trend perspectives shared by Bryan Gildenberg at the conference’s opening session.

Gildenberg shared five topical areas of discussion: growth, price, cash, space and shoppers with the gathered retail industry leaders and then reviewed several simple retail rules. “Needs beat wants in the minds of shoppers today, with discretionary purchases disappearing for awhile. Value beats difference but value has to lead. Destination beats impulse, as shoppers are more list-driven than any time in recent history.”

Also, “where I am” beats “where I am going”, noted Gildenberg. The trip capture is obviously important with retailers gaining shopper visitors less frequently needing to seeking category conversion key to survival.

“Consumer confidence is at an all-time low; while the economy is not at an all-time low. Perception is worse than reality. It’s a perception driven slow-down marketplace with forecasted recovery in discretionary spending.

Gildenberg keynoted the opening general session of the NARMS Conference on Sunday afternoon, April 5. As MVI’s Chief Knowledge Officer since 2004, Gildenberg oversees MVI’s Analysis and Insight efforts and is often cited as a global expert in retail insight by leading business publications and electronic media worldwide. Gildenberg, Chief Knowledge Officer of Management Ventures, Inc., a retail research and consulting firm supplying breakthrough retail insight, analysis and thought leadership, last spoke to the NARMS leaders in 2006.

The annual NARMS spring conference is a gathering point for hundreds of retailers, manufacturers, retail support service specialists and associate member service personnel. NARMS is also widely known for its professional retail job recruitment web-hosting via the JobBank database and other on-line tools, including The Recruiter, Career Connection and on-line training modules.

NARMS’ nearly 500 member companies perform well over $3 billion in merchandising services, sales marketing, event marketing, demonstration and other retail services annually. The international trade association serves as a “central gathering point” for the retailing industry; promoting and establishing industry standards; providing critical industry research studies and educational information about the industry while acting as a voice for its diverse membership of service providers, manufacturers, retailers and associates. NARMS represents all classes of trade including: grocery, drug, mass, department, home & building centers, computer & office supply, electronic, value retailers, specialty and convenience retailers. Additional NARMS information is available at www.narms.com, including information about the 15th NARMS Spring Conference & Exposition at Saddlebrook Resort, Wesley Chapel, FL on April 17-20, 2010.

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