GC Buying Group shared a record number of store and vendor members took part in the summer education event, GCX: Connect. Stores and vendors were welcomed to Atlanta at the Party in the Kitchen on July 17.

The all-day event on Thursday included pass the mic retailer discussions from 8:30 to 10 a.m., followed by a rotation of small group hands-on training sessions. Eight vendors featured products well-suited for personal demonstration, highlighting specific selling points for the retailers. 

While store members enjoyed a box lunch, industry expert Warren Shoulberg delivered an informative keynote address. Shoulberg outlined specific opportunities for independent retailers to capture new customers. After lunch, the Vendor Showcase focused on new vendor products, along with products shown by new GC Buying Group vendors. Talking one-on-one with vendor principals, along with meeting new program vendors was a highlight of the afternoon. 

At 4 p.m. when the Showcase concluded, retailers made their way to the 8th floor to be entertained with food and drinks, along with the chance to shop in four key showrooms. Hundreds of vendor products were on display at The Ryan Group, Kasperzak & Associates, Kitchen2Table, and Synergy Sales showrooms where order writing and social interaction were a prevalent theme.

“I absolutely think that the format this summer was fantastic,” said Bobby Griggs from Eater x Heritage Steel. “It was a great event that allowed our company to have quality time with the appropriate retailers in a very productive format,” Griggs went on to say. 

“Retailers and vendors arrived in Alanta excited and ready to prep for Q4,” said Janis Johnson, president and founder of GC Buying Group. “We’re thrilled that GCX: Connect provided the ideal venue for stores to kick off the buying season with enthusiasm and a positive outlook.”