Center for Retailing Excellence 12th Annual Conference

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Center for Retailing Excellence at the University of Arkansas is hosting the 12^th annual Emerging Trends in Retail conference, presented by Saatchi & Saatchi X. The conference will be held on Oct. 17 beginning at 8 a.m. in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Enterprise Development on the campus of the University of Arkansas.

Established in 1998, the Center for Retailing Excellence is focused on developing future leaders and serves as a bridge between academics and the retail industry. Duncan MacNaughton, executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer, Walmart U.S., is chairman of the executive board of directors, which includes senior representatives from retailers, suppliers, researchers and supply chain. A highlight of the conference is the chairman’s wrap-up and perspective on the current retail business and where they see the business in the next year.

This year’s conference focuses on innovation in retail, the impact of social media on shopper marketing, the dynamics of the changing Club channel and the importance of empowering women. Presenters include a combination of experts from social media, retail and club operators and merchants and insight from leading retail experts on the innovation and future of shopping. The full agenda and list of presenters is available at www.cre@uark.edu.

Seating is limited for this special event and registration is open through the Center for Retailing Excellence secure website (http://cre.uark.edu/430.asp). The event is sponsored by Saatchi & Saatchi X, Advantage Sales & Marketing, All You Magazine, Idelle Labs, Procter & Gamble, Sam's Club, The J.M. Smucker Co., Unilever and Walmart.

The Center for Retailing Excellence was established in the Walton College in 1998 with a portion of the $50 million endowment from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation.