GMDC Retail Tomorrow Reschedules General Merchandise Conference

The Global Market Development Center (GMDC) Retail Tomorrow announced its decision to reschedule its annual General Merchandise Conference, due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Originally scheduled for June 4-8 in Orlando, Fla., the conference will now run alongside the 2020 Selfcare Summit  from Sept. 30-Oct. 4 in Atlanta; the Selfcare Summit will run Oct. 1-5.

“The COVID-19 outbreak continues to profoundly disrupt many industries, including retail, travel and hospitality. GMDC Retail Tomorrow is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees, members and partners,” said Patrick Spear, president and CEO of GMDC Retail Tomorrow. “Postponing our [2020 General Merchandise Conference] and co-locating it with our second annual Selfcare Summit in October will enable our association to support members’ pressing business continuity needs.”

GMDC and Spear said the temporary postponement will allow for the creation of new best practices in response to the lasting impacts of COVID-19. “Our trading partners will leverage this time together to navigate what will undoubtedly be a changed retail landscape,” Spear said.

The two events in Atlanta are anticipated to bring together more than 150 retail and 500 supplier executives from across North America.

GMDC works with and connects retail industry stakeholders, with an aim to satisfy consumers' growing and changing needs in health, beauty, wellness and self-care products and general merchandise. The association also represents more than 125,000 retail outlets worldwide.