GMDC Registration Up 25% for Spring Conference COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The General Merchandise Distributors Council here said that registration is up 25% for this year's General Merchandise Marketing Conference, after the organization implemented new incentives to drive attendance. GMDC last year decided to pay travel and hotel expenses for buyer guests at its conferences, which pair retail and wholesale buyers with nonfood suppliers in one-on-one conferences. New members attending the May 31-June 4 event include Albertson's and Eckerd, and first-time attendees will include Dollar Tree Stores, Minyard Food Stores, Rite Aid, Save Mart Supermarkets and Walgreen Co. "We are very pleased with the industry response to the new program, particularly in this year's uncertain economic climate," said Jerry Barnes, vice president, member services.
