Aug 11, 2005
WASHINGTON, DC — August 11, 2005 — Compelling speakers and educational sessions at the 2005 Retail Store Development Conference will examine economic and marketplace trends, innovative store designs, lease negotiation and successful site attributes. The conference, sponsored by the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), will be held October 23-25 in San Francisco, CA.
     

The conference’s keynote presentation will be given by John Rand of Management Ventures, Inc. Rand will review the interaction of strategy, format and the near-term future for the grocery industry.
     

Elle Chute and Denny Gerdeman, founders of the internationally recognized retail design firm Chute Gerdeman, will present design and display ideas to inspire shoppers. Chute and Gerdeman will explain how to maximize the visual and emotional impact of food merchandising to meet the expectations of today’s discerning customers.
     

FRCH Design Worldwide’s Christian Davies, a veteran retail designer and internationally renowned speaker, will take a provocative look at the challenges facing the supermarket today and the changes food retailers will need to make in order to succeed.


Gary Hoover, entrepreneur and business historian, will close the conference with a look at the eight keys underlying success. His presentation will include real-world examples of retail success.
     

The conference will also feature an advanced look and analysis of key findings in FMI’s upcoming Facts About Store Development research report and workshops and idea exchanges focusing on a wide variety of store development issues.
     

“The Retail Store Development Conference examines all the essential elements of store development, including market analysis, real estate, store design and construction,” said Katie Chernau, director of construction and facilities for Ukrop’s Super Markets, Inc., and chair of FMI’s Retail Store Development Committee. “The comprehensive program is a must for store development professionals.”
     

Retail experts from Watt International, one of the world’s top brand strategy and retail design firms, will host tours of innovative retail stores in the San Francisco area.
     

Conference sponsors include Amerlux Lighting Solutions, ArchitecturePlus International, Dakota Worldwide Corporation, Design Fabrications, Design Services Group, Emerson Climate Technologies, Hill Phoenix, MapInfo, Munters Commercial Dehumidification, Verisae, Watt International and Zero Zone.
     

For more information on the Retail Store Development Conference, visit the FMI Web site at www.fmi.org/events, or contact Laurie Gethin at (202) 220-0715 or lgethin@fmi.org.