GC Buying Group is preparing for its 22nd annual GCX: Start the Year Member Conference, which will be held January 15-17 in conjunction with the Atlanta Winter Market.
The conference begins Wednesday, January 15, with a store meeting featuring six training pods for small-group access to leading brands. Discussion topics during the day will allow store owners and buyers to share ideas and learn from each other about better ways of running their business and maintaining profitability, according to GC.
Also on day one of the conference, Dan Holman, CEO of Toronto-based Canadian Retail Solutions, serving North America, will present “Wealthy Retailing in Today’s Retail Market,” a 12-step presentation covering values, assessment and proven best practices for driving retail performance and preparing retailers for the future.
Wednesday evening’s GCX gala will bring together retailers, vendors, industry reps, market analysts and journalists.
GCX activities for Thursday, January 16, are highlighted by a Vendor Showcase, during which vendors can present new products and 2025 marketing plans to GC Buying Group retailers.
Rep groups and vendors will help GC wrap up the conference by hosting stores Thursday evening for drinks, snacks and product reviewing in showrooms on the 8th floor of Building 2 of AmericasMart.
“As the retail landscape changes, having the camaraderie and support of vendors and (Atlanta Market operator) Andmore for industry independents as a testament to the community GC has built, and reflects how much we love having the backs of such dedicated retailers,” said Janis Johnson, president and founder of Gourmet Catalog/GC Buying Group. “Independent retailers are passionate about the role they play in bringing vendors’ products to the local markets they serve.”
