GMDC delivers nearly 11,000 appointments, calls for a renewed focus on general merchandise

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Global Market Development Center’s General Merchandise Marketing Conference held here earlier this month provided for almost 11,000 appointments, in addition to 169 senior executive conferences that were piloted at the GM event, the association reported Tuesday.

At the event, GMDC launched a preview of a new GM study in conjunction with the consulting group Radian. The initial analysis and insights of the study, "Winning in GM: Trends, Insights & Strategies," is scheduled to be released in fall 2011 and will include information that will establish performance benchmarks, as well as “blueprints” for implementation.

“This study will quantify the value of GM and provide insights, strategies and solutions to grow business and maintain customer loyalty,” GMDC president and CEO Dave McConnell said. McConnell stressed that GM categories are an important part of the discussion around the revitalization of center store.

Rounding out GMDC’s educational opportunities were a series of Sunday store tours where participants were given personal store tours with local management from Winn-Dixie, Sedano’s Supermarket and Publix Sabor. Each grocer offered a unique perspective about how to merchandise to the local clientele within the Orlando area.

Next year’s General Merchandise Marketing Conference will be held in Orlando, Fla., from June 1 to 5.