CSA’s SPECS Show Puts Spotlight on Store Development
Physical store development and facilities management were in the spotlight as the country’s top retailers and suppliers involved in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of stores, restaurants and non-traditional concepts gathered at Chain Store Age’s 58th annual SPECS conference.
Held March 20 - 22 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas, the three-day event brought together all sectors of the industry, from discounters, specialty stores and supermarkets to convenience stores, home-improvement centers and more. Restaurants were also in attendance.
“SPECS is designed to provide the critical solutions and services needed to compete in our ever-changing landscape,” Gary Esposito, SPECS chairman and VP, Chain Store Age, said in opening remarks at the show. “Whether you are a retailer, supplier, contractor or architect, the goal is to learn, share ideas and develop lasting business partnerships.”
The event included more than 20 targeted educational sessions focused on the latest trends and technologies transforming the design, construction and maintenance of physical stores and restaurants.
New this year was a track dedicated to the challenges and opportunities facing retail real estate professionals. It included sessions on tenant/landlord relationships, leading-edge shopping center designs and expanding retail brands.
“The educational content at SPECS is designed to provide our attendees with best practices and actionable insights that they can use when they return to their jobs,” said Deena Amato-McCoy, program director, SPECS. “Our educational sessions are developed with direct input and guidance from retailers.”
This year’s opening keynote was given by Earvin “Magic” Johnson, five-time NBA champion, Hall of Famer and influential investor via Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE). During his dynamic address, discuss his journey in sports, as well as his role as chairman and CEO of MJE.
“Your competition can make you better,” Johnson told attendees. “And I believe you can do well and do good at the same time.”
Johnson also urged attendees to consider building in urban centers.
“I see more opportunities in urban America than we’ve had in a long time,” he said. “The spending power is there…the disposable income is there.”
SPECS also provided attendees with three days of business partnering, collaboration and networking opportunities in sessions, at meal functions and on the exhibit floor, which featured a diverse array of solutions and services designed to provide a better in-store experience for customers and maximize operational efficiencies.
Breakout Retailers
SPECS featured a special presentation honoring the winners of Chain Store Age’s 2022 Breakout Retailer Awards: Burlington Stores, CAMP, Dutch Bros and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. The annual awards were sponsored by architectural and design engineering firm Stantec.
“The Breakout Retailers awards recognize retail, restaurant and non-traditional specialty concepts that are investing in innovation and growth in the physical space,” said CSA editor-in-chief Marianne Wilson during the event.,” said Marianne Wilson, editor in chief, Chain Store Age. “Each one brings something unique to their category…something that clearly resonates with consumers and creates the type of experience that makes for repeat business.”
Executives from the four winning brands were at SPECS to accept their awards and share insights into their companies and what lies ahead at a Q&A session. Representing their companies were: Dan Marihugh, VP, store innovation, Burlington Stores; Charlie Kwalwasser, chief commercial officer; CAMP; Aaron Harris, VP of development, Dutch Bros; and Jorge Rodriguez, director of remodel construction, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
Chain Store Age has announced that SPECS will return to the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center next year, with SPECS Show 2023 scheduled for March 19 – 21.