COLORADO SPRINGS — The Global Market Development Center here, better known as GMDC, this week reported details for the educational component of next week’s General Merchandise Marketing Conference in Orlando, Fla., which runs from May 30 to June 3. Among the highlights will be a presentation on “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability Consumers and How They are Purchasing General Merchandise Products” by Maryellen Molyneaux, president of the Natural Marketing Institute, on Saturday, May 31. This will be followed by a panel on “Best Practices in Reaching the Health and Wellness Consumer in General Merchandise,” including Tom Watson, vice president, general merchandise, Hy-Vee; Steve Davis, vice president, retail sales, Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy; Curt Maki, vice president, health and beauty care/general merchandise and pharmacy at Topco Associates; and Jay Goble, vice president, merchandising at Valu Merchandisers Co. On Monday, June 2, there will be a session on “Best Practices in Bringing Sustainability to Your Company’s Products & Services: Enhancing Sales & Profits While Meeting Consumer Desires in the ‘Green’ Megatrend,” presented by Adam Lowry, founder and chief greenskeeper of Method Products. There also will be workshops and roundtable sessions.

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