Record fall buying show boosts CDMA's clout - Chain Drug Marketing Associates

BOSTON -- This year's Chain Drug Marketing Associates show, held here from Sept. 30-Oct. 3, was the association's largest one to date.

The show attracted 192 exhibitors who featured merchandise in 226 booths. Of the 847 registered attendees, 76 chains and five wholesalers were represented.

CDMA's show proved to be more than an opportunity for mid-sized chains to visit booths. It included the debut of the Cosmetic Buyers Forum, a roundtable meeting that was the first of its kind in the industry (see related story), education sessions, an idea exchange and merchandise presentations.

In his opening remarks, Bill Baxley, vice president of marketing at Kerr Drugs and CDMA's education committee chairman, told CDMA members and guests that the "ever-changing landscape of the chain drug industry" would pose challenges to the chain drug retailers present.

"As people deal with change, they will fall into two camps: those who lead and those who follow," he continued. "The very fact that you are here speaks to your hope and vision for the future of the chain drug industry."

CDMA is strategically positioned to assist them in that vision, Baxley said.

Added Allan Patrick, executive vice president of Genovese Drug Stores and CDMA chairman, "This is an association that's in touch with the needs of our stores."

Patrick paid tribute to CDMA president Jim Devine as "a leader who is a pharmacist and grew up in both the merchandising and operations end of the business."

Devine said the association was pleased with the show. "It's always nice to have exhibitors. But, we also had more members and more guest chains in attendance. The mix of merchandise was good and the cosmetics forum added a new dimension," he said.

He added that the show gives mid-sized retailers an opportunity to speak with suppliers and see merchandise that they may not see in other show formats.

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