2016 Start the Year Member Conference, Gourmet Catalog’s Best Event to Date

Dallas, January 27 –  GC Buying Group kicked off the Group’s 35^th year in business at the 13th annual Start the Year Member Conference and Vendor Showcase held January 13^th and 14th at AmericasMart during the International Gift and Home Furnishings Show in Atlanta.  “If you’re not a Gourmet Catalog member, maybe you better rethink that,” stated David Freeman, Co-Owner of Kitchenware Outfitters in Savannah, GA.

Retail attendance and vendor participation saw record high numbers for the three day event.  “It’s the best buying group event for housewares that we’ve found,” claimed Joe Flannery, President of Weavers in Lawrence, KS, “[Start the Year] is a must see event.”

 “Gourmet Catalog’s Start the Year Meeting is really incredible, it gives us a snapshot of all of our vendors, we get the cliff notes right away, see what’s new and talk to everyone, I just love it!” said Mary Moore, owner of The Cooks Warehouse in Atlanta, GA.  “It’s the best way to start the year,” Moore added.

The exclusive member meeting is a full day of education and idea sharing for stores.  “The amazing network of retailers and stores makes me a smarter and better business owner,” expressed Ben Salmon, Kitchen a la Mode in South Orange, NJ.  The meeting included open discussion topics, where stores shared personal experiences regarding selected topics, guest speakers and newly announced GC program updates.  “It lets us reimagine how we would like to be for the upcoming year,” stated Laura Havlek, Owner of Sign of the Bear in Sonoma, CA.

Bobby Griggs captivated the audience while delivering thought-provoking points about “Connecting with the Consumers.”  Bobby uses his own advice daily as Vice President of Hammer Stahl.  Nationally recognized business strategist Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doctor, brought insight and energy to the meeting, delivering a speech entitled, “You Can Compete Today.” Suzanne Kipfer, Co-owner of Simple Tidings & Kitchen in Sumner, WA, discussed her experience on setting drive periods using GC’s eNewsletter program, her personal formula for planning store merchandising, marketing and display around key holidays and events. 

The highly regarded Vendor Showcase, a private tradeshow for GC members, allowed stores to view and demo products, learn about new merchandise, communicate specific needs, take advantage of exclusive special offers and network with vendors.  “Gourmet Catalog gives us a chance to have so many great buyers in one room talking about great products,” expressed Philippe Trudeau, CEO of Trudeau Corporation.  “A big part of the Atlanta show is the Gourmet Catalog event that was flawlessly run. Great enthusiasm for our new items, we’re excited to see how 2016 develops,” said Vince Cella, Chief Operating Officer of Prepara.

 “The GC staff dedicates a significant amount of our fourth quarter to making Atlanta’s Start the Year Member Conference the best in the industry,” said Janis Johnson, President and Founder of GC Buying Group.  “Never before have I received such extensive praise and positive feedback from a show, I am proud of my team and am already looking forward to Atlanta’s International Gift and Home Furnishing Market next year, we have a lot to live up to!”

About Gourmet Catalog & Buying Group:

Gourmet Catalog Members form the original and leading buying group in the housewares industry. Celebrating 35 years in 2016, Gourmet Catalog works to ensure the success of independent retailers with a variety of programs and services, including discounts provided by 200 plus vendor members.