SPECS 2025 puts spotlight on store development, facilities management
Retail executives and suppliers involved in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of stores, restaurants and non-traditional concepts came together at Chain Store Age’s 61st annual SPECS Show.
The event, held March 9-11 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas, attracted leading retail companies that in total operate more than 350,000 stores. All sectors of the industry were represented, from discounters, specialty stores and supermarkets to convenience stores, home-improvement centers and more.
In addition, restaurants and non-traditional specialty concepts, including in the financial and health care sectors, were also in attendance.
“Each year SPECS brings together the nation’s leading retailers and suppliers to provide the critical solutions and services needed to compete in the ever-changing retail landscape,” said Gary Esposito, SPECS chairman and VP of Chain Store Age, in opening remarks at the show. “Consumers expect great store experiences and inviting well maintained spaces — two priorities that touch everyone in this room.”
-
Retailers and other attendees gathered together for the opening keynote.
The show included 30 targeted educational sessions on the latest trends and technologies transforming the design, construction and maintenance of physical stores and restaurants, with insights from retailers and industry experts alike. The sessions, created by the SPECS Advisory Board, covered a wide range of topics, from the impact of AI on store development to the shortage of skilled trade labor to net zero buildings.
The Solution Center exhibit floor featured a diverse array of leading suppliers offering innovative solutions and services designed to provide a better store experience for customers as well as more efficient operations.
With everything on site and included in the program, SPECS provided plenty of business partnering, collaboration and networking opportunities, with attendees meeting in sessions, at meal functions and on the exhibit floor. Retailers and industry suppliers also had the opportunity to meet one-on-one during the Face-2-Face Information Exchange.
Keynotes
This year’s opening keynote was given by Troy Aikman, legendary football icon, NFL announcer on ABC television and successful business entrepreneur. Aikman, who was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 and can be seen on ABC’s Monday Night Football, discussed his journey from football hero to business leader. He stressed the importance of teamwork during his keynote, something he has carried over from sports to his business ventures.
“My entire career has been around being part of a great team,” Aikman told attendees. “That has allowed me to be successful. That’s the lesson.”
The day-two keynote at SPECS was given by financial journalist Ron Insana, senior analyst and commentator at CNBC. Insana, who also hosts the daily nationally syndicated radio program, The Market Score Board Report, delivered a sobering but ultimately hopeful message about the U.S. economy.
“The level of uncertainty around policy will make this a more turbulent year than we’ve seen in a while,” Insana said. "But the U.S. economy is extremely resilient. It’s always moving forward and that’s still the case.”
Insansa also touched on the growth and development of artificial intelligence during his presentation, noting that AI as a tool to improve efficiencies and drive lower costs is happening “faster than we anticipated.”
Retail's Top Women
The show also included the presentation of CSA Retail’s Top Women Awards in Store development and Facilities. Nine outstanding female executives were honored, including:
•Catherine Barnes, VP, facilities, energy and store development, Rite Aid;
•April Crofford, senior director - store facilities management, Dollar General;
•Juliana Gois, global real estate director, Nike;
•Heather Lindsay, director of construction; Academy Sports + Outdoors;
•Nancy Myers, director facilities and equipment maintenance, Schnuck Markets;
•Nicole Price, facilities manager, MillerKnoll;
•Megan Schimmelpfenning, senior design manager, Heartland Dental;
•Ann Scott, senior director, electric vehicle charging and utilities, 7-Eleven; and
•Amy Ward, director store design and planning, Schnuck Markets.
SPECS 2026 will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Md., March 8-10.
