2010 NACDS Marketplace Conference: Successful, Energized

San Diego, Calif. –The conclusion of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) 2010 Marketplace Conference – the largest convergence of drug, food, mass, club, and value retailing in the United States – was described by many as the most meaningful Conference ever.

Over 200 retail companies representing over 700 buyers and 145,000 stores attended the Marketplace Conference to conduct business with over 450 manufacturing companies. Retailers and suppliers representing over $500 billion in annual buying power attended this year’s Conference.

“This year’s NACDS Marketplace Conference was an overall success and the atmosphere was full of energy,” said NACDS President and Chief Executive Officer Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE. “From the Meet the Market program to the education sessions and the exhibit floor, NACDS continues to provide attendees an effective and efficient meeting geared toward their needs.”

Suppliers and manufacturers conducted nearly 8,000 pre-scheduled meetings with category managers during the “Meet the Market” program. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn from retail leaders during the “Meet the Retailer/ How to Do Business With” sessions. Representatives from Chain Drug Consortium, Costco, CVS Caremark, Kmart, Meijer, Shopko, Walgreens and Wegmans provided insight on what retailers are looking for in a product and a company.

Attendees learned about a newly launched research initiative in “The Path to Purchase” business program. The initiative is strategically designed to explore the next generation of manufacturing, marketing and merchandising – from product development to check-out – to enhance the shopper experience.

More than 150 products ranging from health and beauty to seasonal items were on display in the “Product Showcase” on the exhibit floor. The Showcase provided increased visibility for suppliers marketing products. Evaluated by the retail attendees, winners of this year’s “Product Showcase” are:

Baby Care

Company:

Product:

Bean-B-Clean

Bean-B-Clean (Scalp Massaging Brush)

Consumables

Company:

Product:

Crunchies Food Company

Crunchies (All Natural Freeze Dried Fruits & Veggies)

Cosmetics and Fragrances

Company:

Product:

U.S. Cotton, LLC

Swisspers Exfoliating Cotton Facial Cleansing Pads

General Merchandise

Company:

Product:

FGX International

LightSpecs by Foster Grant

Healthcare/OTC

Company:

Product:

TECNIMED

Thermofocus, The Original 5-1 Non Contact Thermometer

Home Healthcare

Company:

Product:

Drive Medical Design & Manufacturing

Glow & Go Folding Cane

Personal Care/HBC

Company:

Product:

Zeno Corporation

Zeno Hot Spot Blemish Clearing Device

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The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) represents 154 traditional drug stores, supermarkets, and mass merchants with pharmacies – from regional chains with four stores to national companies. NACDS members also include more than 900 pharmacy and front-end suppliers, and over 70 international members from 24 countries. Chains operate 37,000 pharmacies, and employ more than 2.5 million employees, including 118,000 full-time pharmacists. They fill more than 2.5 billion prescriptions annually, which is more than 72 percent of annual prescriptions in the United States. The total economic impact of all retail stores with pharmacies transcends their $815 billion in annual sales. Every $1 spent in these stores creates a ripple effect of $3.82 in other industries, for a total economic impact of $3.11 trillion, equal to 26 percent of GDP. For more information about NACDS, visit www.NACDS.org.

Pharmacies. The face of neighborhood healthcare.