FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2009

Colorado Springs, CO… Action by the gathered membership at the NARMS International annual business meeting reveals the following:

Newly elected to the NARMS Board of Directors in two-year terms:

Rick Hall, The Beam Team, Alpharetta, GA
Don Unser, Hewlett-Packard Company, Vancouver, WA

Re-elected to continue in a second, two-year board service were:

Ed Martin, Ready Set Companies, Elk Grove Village, IL
Lance Andersen, CROSSMARK Sales & Marketing, Plano, TX

Elected to serve as officers in the coming year were:

Chair: Don Koller, Lawrence Merchandising Services, Plymouth, MN
Vice Chair: Mary Jo Bastuba, Nintendo of America, Marietta, GA
Secretary: Ed Martin, Ready Set Companies, Elk Grove Village, IL
Treasurer: Ethan Charas, Stratmar Retail Services, Port Chester, NY

Recognized for their retirement from board service were:

Tory Edge, Beacon Merchandising Group, Inc., Hollywood, FL
Jim Fulk, Retail Marketing Services East, Inc., Newark, OH

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2009

Colorado Springs, CO ……. Details of the Upcoming RORI “Return on Retail Investment” Project were released to NARMS members at the 14th Annual NARMS International Spring Conference here Monday.

RORI is by definition the return on that part of the marketing mix that is applied directly to the retail market “selling place”; while taking the effects of price out of the equation. This selling place is defined as both brick and mortar and on-line retail with linkage of both offline and online. Unlike several other recent industry marketplace studies, the RORI effort will seek to be “inclusive” in involving retailers, manufacturers, NARMS service providers and industry suppliers in establishing marketplace value.

This study is intended to become the logical building block for manufacturers, retailers and service providers to begin to understand and define the future. It delivers transformational ROI for the retail spending mix and carries with it innovation in thinking, metrics and implementation.

NARMS International is taking a leadership role in the development of this industry study in continuing to establish a place at the forefront in industry voice, awareness and trading partner value creation. NARMS will engage GroupM Business Sciences, a WPP Worldwide Business Analytics Company, for study design and the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Kohl Center for Retailing Excellence as partners in research design, insights and as an arbiter of objectivity for the RORI study.

Leading the RORI effort and participating in the explanation process were:

Phil Lauria, Managing Director, Pelco Advisors, LLC, P.O. Box 7598, Wilton, CT 06897. . Phil can be reached by phone: 203.834.0270 or by e-mail message at phil@pelcos.com.

Bart Flaherty, Group M Business Science, 825 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019. Bart can be contacted by phone at: 212.474.0930 or by e-mail message at bart.flaherty@groupm.com.

Alex Richardson, Managing Director of Selling Machine Partners (SMP), LLC, an eRetail consulting firm that is based in New York City. Considered an architect of extended retailing technology, Alex can be reached by phone at: 203.376.8877 or by e-mail message at alex@sellingmachinepartners.com.

Don Unser, Vice President US Consumer Market Sales & Operations, Hewlett-Packard Company, 18110 SE 34th St., Vancouver, WA 98683. Don can be reached by phone at 360.212.8110 or by e-mail message at don.unser@hp.com.

Jerry O’Brien, Director, Center for Retailing Excellence, UW-Madison, 1300 Linden Drive, Room 33, Madison, WI 53706-1524. Jerry may be reached by phone at: 608.263.7996 or by e-mail message at: gobrien@wisc.edu.

Sunil Garga, Founder/Principal, Mphasize, LLC; 50 Washington Street, #727, Norwalk, CT, 06854. Sunil may be reached by phone at 203.856.0388 or by e-mail message at sunil.garga@mphasizeanalytics.com.

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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Following his presentation, Call of the Mall: the Geography of Shopping, at the 2009 NARMS Conference today, Paco Underhill stopped to chat for a few minutes with Mark Hunter of NARMS Radio to do a podcast on his book, the workshop and his store tour scheduled for later today.

The full podcast will be posted at NARMS.com as it becomes available later this week.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2009

Colorado Springs, CO….. Paco Underhill, a leading expert and pioneer on consumer behavior and founder/CEO of Envirosell, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, shared thoughts and opinions at Monday’s NARMS general session at the 14th Annual NARMS Spring Conference held here.

Underhill compared and contrasted the market view of three types of today’s shoppers: the CEO or worker who just lost his/her job; the “not in immediate danger” but cautious shopper and the “debt free but reluctant to show signs of conspicuous consumption” shopper. In sharing the various marketplace perspectives, Underhill predicted “We’re never bouncing back!”

Although acknowledging that the current marketplace scenario will be painful in the short run; Underhill stated the situation could show long term benefits as shoppers re-establish what they really need. Underhill declared that US markets are “over-stored” with some retailing areas likely to reach 20-30% vacancy levels in the near term. He went on to relate how re-cycling these retail areas; often “built cheap, built fast and built with little or no zoning regulations” will result in space that will have to “go to Mr. Bulldozer”. Underhill offered up numerous global examples of thriving retail spaces; often due to “not trying to be all things to all people”.

The author of “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping” and “Call of the Mall: The Geography of Shopping”, Underhill reviewed consumption patterns now developing, noting the effects of effects of local taste, how money is being re-allocated and how “used is cool”. Underhill predicted major format innovation with the key to some retailers’ future success will be how to downsize the store, trying to achieve the same sales volumes in 20% less space.

Underhill challenged attendees to help work towards technology solutions that are for the “captains and sergeants in the store”, not the central office types whose feet rarely tread on the sales floor.

Challenging the audience thinking, Underhill asked “What if our kitchen and laundry room did our shopping for us? Eighty percent of our weekly purchases are routine,” he noted. He shared market examples of solving shoppers’ problems at various points around the world, inspiring hope for US marketplace adaptations.

Underhill’s involvement at the NARMS meeting included a special opportunity for ten conference participants who “learned with the expert” as they took part in a hosted store tour at a King Soopers grocery store, a Whole Foods store and PetSmart location.

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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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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2009

Stevens Point, WI….. NARMS International has announced another member program that can benefit member companies through workforce training that build on industry standards to improve the quality of workforce at the retailing level. Called NARMScertifyU, this program will continue to be developed over the coming months as a benefit to both member companies and individuals seeking work in the at-retail service industry.

NARMScertifyU is an online learning center that adds credibility and quality to retail marketing organizations by offering training to their workforce on industry standards essential to building a higher quality workforce at the retail level. The NARMScertifyU program is sponsored by NARMS International and is the official NARMS learning center for member companies and their field representatives.

The site is based on a Learning Management System, offering online learning modules and testing using Adult Learning Principles, with administrative performance management and measurement features. Certificates of completion are awarded for each area of study completed. Social media is integrated into the users experience with discussion forums, bulletin boards and chats to create an extended learning experience and community.

Members’ reps who receive certificates of completion can get higher visibility for job postings, enhance their skill set for career growth and gain broader retail knowledge. NARMS member companies can build top-quality people and services, improve productivity, reduce turnover and have one centralized resource for information exchange and continuing education. More information about NARMScertifyU is available from Larry Dorr (office 949.472.6700 x1216 or cell phone 949.303.8492). Additional information can also be sourced at NARMS Virtual Conference; available at: http://www.virtualbeginnings.com/start/narms.

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 in Wesley Chapel, FL on April 17-20, 2010.

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Twitter during the NARMS Conference

Twitter me this!
Tweet out from the 14th Annual NARMS Spring Meeting and Exhibition at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. If you have a Twitter account, tweet out using your iPhone, Blackberry, cell phone or PC to tweet during the Conference. Be sure to follow @narms

We will also be using Twitter to remind you of the sessions that are about to start, when and where lunch is being served and other housekeeping details.

If you do not have a Twitter acount, the NARMS Conference is your perfect excuse to jump into Social Media. Simply go to Twitter.com.

PS Some really cool people to follow as well @dborschke @gerardmclean @chrisdammann

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What is Twitter? NARMS has a really cool video that explains Twitter on the Web site.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2009

Stevens Point, WI… Paco Underhill, a leading expert and pioneer on consumer behavior and founder/CEO of Envirosell, Inc., a global research and consulting firm, will host a three-store tour on Monday, April 6th from 1-4 p.m. at the NARMS 14th Annual Spring Conference being held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. Underhill, who has over 25 years conducting research on the different aspects of shopping behavior, will take his expertise to three stores in the Colorado Springs area. He is also well known as author of Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping. The hosted store tour will encompass a King Soopers grocery store, a Whole Foods store and a local outlet of PetSmart. The tour will be limited to only 10 participants who have paid an additional fee and are registered for the NARMS Spring Conference. Additional information is available at www.narms.com or 1.888.526.2767.

Underhill will also address the NARMS Spring Conference as the Monday morning keynote speaker with his message fashioned after his more recent best-selling book, Call of the Mall: The Geography of Shopping. The NARMS Spring Conference includes several general educational sessions and numerous divisional informational track sessions, as well as the annual meeting of the association.

ABOUT NARMS
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 14th NARMS Spring Conference & Exposition at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO on April 4-7, 2009.

Contact:
Ken McKenzie
Vice President
National Association for Retail Marketing Services
2417 Post Road
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: 1 888 526-2767
FAX: 1 715 342 1943
kmckenzie@narms.com

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NARMS International is the leader in bringing all facets of the Retail Marketing Industry together in their annual conference. Continuous positive responses from attendees who cite the quality of keynote speakers, exhibitors, and fellow attendees as the reason they keep returning year after year.
Become a part of this exciting opportunity through sponsorship of the 2009 NARMS Annual Spring Conference, Broadmoor, CO. Your company’s logo will be viewed over 2 million times a month by being listed on www.narms.com, signage exposure at the conference, access to Sponsors/Exhibitor Lounge, and so much more just by sponsoring your association!

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities. (PDF)