GC Buying Group Adds New Store Members and Recaps January Markets

Dallas, February 9 – GC Buying Group added five new member stores in January, growing ranks for 2022 to 348 store locations nationwide.

The GC Team participated in three important markets in January.

First up was the well-attended GC Start the Year Member Conference, held January 5-6, co-hosted by Dallas Market Center. One hundred store buyers from 25 states, along with 79 vendors, were in attendance. The all-day store meeting featured new product presentations by key vendor members and special group discussions with open mic conversations among members. The Best Sellers topic stimulated interesting discussions and revealed product favorites.  An informative virtual keynote address by Dan Holman, CEO of Toronto-based Canadian Retail Solutions, focused on the topic Post Pandemic Retail Wealth, was concluded by a live interactive Q&A between Dan and store members in the Group.

A celebration of membership was held at the World Trade Center in Dallas that evening. The social setting brought store and vendor members together for the enjoyment of great food, drinks, and helpful conversations to strengthen and grow the independent channel.

The Vendor Showcase was held on the second day of the Conference. In its 19th year, the Showcase was a success for both stores and vendors with exciting new product introductions, top seller reviews, and updates on product availability. Purchase order writing and the opportunity for face to face meetings contributed to the day’s rewarding experience for stores and vendors.

The GC Team attended the Atlanta Market and conducted meetings with both store and vendor members. A highlight of the show was a cocktail party co-hosted by GC and the IMC with everyone in housewares invited to attend. Drawing over 100 industry buyers, vendors and reps, the party featured beautifully prepared food with refreshing drinks, and was the ideal place for catching up in person.

The Las Vegas Market was the location for a special GC store member lunch, sponsored by Juniper/IMC and Jura. The GC team walked the show, met with vendors, and reviewed options for future GC member events.

“After 41 years in business, GC is proud to say we continue to experience significant growth as we forge ahead to keep local retail strong and to reinforce the value we place on independent retailing,” remarked Janis Johnson, president and founder of GC Buying Group and Gourmet Catalog, Inc. Johnson concluded by commenting, “While the pandemic has been difficult for all of us, we’re delighted that cooking has played an important role in getting consumers through the problem and especially that our kitchen retailers have benefited from the culinary interest. As GC prepares for the upcoming Chicago Inspired Home Show, store and vendor members restate a commitment to the housewares industry.”

For stores contemplating a buying group experience, GC connects independent retailers to the strongest network in the kitchenwares industry. Join today and get ready to take advantage of the privileges and perks of your GC membership, along with enjoying the best events in the industry.

About GC Buying Group:

GC Buying Group Members form the original and leading buying group in the kitchenwares industry. Celebrating 41 years in 2022, GC functions to ensure the success of independent retailers with a variety of programs and services, including discounts provided for our 345+ store members by 150 vendor members. For more information on Gourmet Catalog, call: +1-214-855-0005, email: info@gourmetcatalog.com or visit: gcbuyinggroup.com.

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GC Buying Group 

3311 Oak Lawn Ave. Ste. 350 Dallas, TX 75219

214-855-0005

info@GourmetCatalog.com