SPECS 2026 puts spotlight on store development, facilities management
The spotlight was on physical retail at Chain Store Age’s 62nd annual SPECS Show.
The event, held March 8-10 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., brought together retail executives and suppliers involved in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of stores, restaurants and non-traditional concepts.
All sectors of the industry were represented, from discounters, specialty stores and supermarkets to convenience stores, home-improvement centers and more. Restaurants and non-traditional specialty concepts, including those in the financial and health care sectors, were also in attendance.
“Consumers expect great store experiences and inviting well-maintained spaces — two priorities that touch everyone in this room,” said Gary Esposito, SPECS chairman and VP of Chain Store Age, in opening remarks at the show.
Esposito added that the goal of SPECS attendees, including retailers as well as suppliers, is to “learn, share ideas and develop lasting business partnerships.”
SPECS Program
The show included 30 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. The sessions, which were developed by the SPECS Advisory Board, covered a wide range of topics, including renewable energy solutions, materials procurement, multi-site renovation strategies, accessible store design, lighting trends and more.
[READ MORE: SPECS 2026 — Managing facilities and procuring materials the smart way]
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 collaboration and networking opportunities 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.
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SPECS chairman and VP of Chain Store Age welcomed attendees to the 62nd annual SPECS show. -
The opening keynote address was given by 14-time MLB All-Star and successful business entrepreneur Alex Rodriguez. -
Economist Mark Zinder gave a keynote on the trends and innovations impacting businesses. -
WD Partners' Jay Highland highlighted exciting store experiences that are re-energizing retail. -
Retailers and suppliers met on-on-one during the Face-2-Face Information Exchange. -
Attendees networked in the Solution Center exhibit hall. -
CSA Retail’s Top Women in Store Development & Facilities Awards, sponsored by Fusion Sign and Design, were presented at SPECS.
Keynotes
Major League Baseball superstar-turned-successful-business-entrepreneur Alex Rodriguez delivered the opening keynote at SPECS. The 14-time MLB All-Star and 2009 New York Yankees World Series Champion discussed his journey in baseball and how he merged his love of sports and business to create investment firm A-Rod Corp., which partners with world-class startups and leading global companies across real estate, sports and entertainment.
Rodriguez spoke about his role as a business leader, and shared lessons on how strategic pivoting can build success. He emphasized the importance of customer service throughout his address.
“When people walk into your store, you have the real opportunity to make them feel special,” he told attendees.
The day-two keynote at SPECS was given by Mark Zinder, noted economist and former national spokesman for the global asset management firm Franklin Templeton. Zinder, who has a 40-year career in finance, shared his economic outlook and discussed trends and innovations such as AI that are impacting businesses and society at large.
“The next 10 years will define the next 100,” he said. “We are at the crossroads of change and we need to embrace it."
Zinder said that society is currently experiencing three life-changing events at the same time: AI, gene editing and clean energy.
“Artificial intelligence is going to change the way we live, act and purchase,” he said. "Gene editing will cure diseases that have plagued humans for years," he told attendees. “We’re going to live longer, happier and healthier lives.”
On the subject of energy, Zinder said that electricity is progressing from commodity to a technology.
Retail's Top Women
The show also included the presentation of CSA Retail’s Top Women Awards in Store Development and Facilities. Sponsored this year by Fusion Sign and Design, the awards designed to recognize the integral role women play in store planning and design, construction and facilities management.
Six outstanding female executives were honored at SPECS 2026, including:
•Susan Burns, design manager, Amazon One Medical;
•Cindy Dale, director of A&D, building implementation, signage and décor, RaceTrac;
•Jacklyn Price-Gianforte, senior director, property operations – retail, Verizon;
•Natalie Lyden, senior director, store development, Total Wine and More
•Jessica Miller, director, store design, Warby Parker; and
•Jana Rogers, director, capitol projects and program strategy, Cumberland.
SPECS 2027 will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine, Texas, March 14-16.