GMDC to Reveal Results of Two GM Studies at its 2012 Event

This year’s GMDC General Merchandise Conference, to be held June 1 through June 5 at the Orlando World Center Marriott, Orlando, FL will offer two business sessions designed to identify the value and opportunities of general merchandise for both retailers and suppliers through the lens of the consumer, and will communicate new metrics to help measure and manage the business to drive growth.

“Nielsen will be delivering an expanded view to general merchandise categories by offering data that has never been reported.” said Mark Deuschle, GMDC CMO and VP of business development. “The intent is to advocate for general merchandise by presenting facts and interpretation of key insights. The information that will be shared, and will continue to be shared in the future as a result of this research, will provide education regarding methods of how GM is able to influence shopper trip mission, top-line sales growth, improved consumer satisfaction and overall profitability trends.”

The two sessions are:

• GM - Industry Insights & Opportunities: Roger Mercado, Principal with Radian, will be providing General Merchandise Standardization Research that defines the structure of the category and can be used as a resource tool for retailers, wholesalers and suppliers alike. This tool is intended to deliver a hierarchy as a platform for expanding awareness and growth, while communicating statistical data that will pinpoint seasonal and everyday opportunities.
• GM Top Retailer Panel, Interview & Discussion: “The Future of GM: Define, Defend and Grow.” GMDC and a panel of retailer and supplier executives, moderated by Todd Hale, SVP consumer and shopper insights at The Nielsen Company, will discuss the importance of GM and the role it will play in strengthening Total Store and retailer’s sales growth and profitability.

Colorado Springs, Colo.-based GMDC (Global Market Development Center) is a global trade association dedicated to serving Ggeneral merchandise and health beauty and wellness retailers, wholesalers and suppliers. GMDC promotes critical connectivity to grow and expand member companies by uniting members through business building events and opportunities and enriching their thinking through education and training; consumer and business insights; and information resources.