ECRM Skin/Hair EPPS event boasts increased attendance

CLEVELAND The ECRM Skin/Hair EPPS event in early August hosted most top retail chains and nearly 100 manufacturers, marking a 30% boost in attendance versus last year despite the tough economic conditions, ECRM announced on Monday.

In addition to the big chains, the meeting held in Miami attracted e-retailer Overstock.com, such dollar stores as 99 Cents Only, such military retailers as AAFES and such regional players as Bartell Drugs and Kerr Drug.

The event also included the Vendor Awards Program, which allows retailers to vote on manufacturers in the following categories: Best New Product, Best Room Set-Up and Most Prepared. Renpure Organics received the Best New Product award for its line of shampoos and conditioners. Namste, creators of Organic Root Stimulator, received the Most Prepared award and Vogue International won the Best Room award.

As previously reported by Drug Store News, the conference also featured a special event for the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida. The girls were invited to participate in a mock trade show, learned about ECRM's events and received a demonstration on hair styling from Sally Hershberger of Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care.