FILLING THE VOID WITH NO PRIVATE LABEL TRADE SHOW THIS MONTH, RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS AND EVEN THIS MAGAZINE NEED TO ADJUST As you all know, there will not be a PLMA show in Rosemont, Ill. this month — and that is having a dramatic impact on everyone involved in the private brands industry. That includes the staff at Store Brands magazine. We can only hope that the effects of the horrible pandemic will fade away so that PLMA can return next November to its home of about 40 years at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. The bottom line is that the store brands industry needs an event where we all can meet. PLMA is doing all in its power, as you can read in this month’s issue, to launch a virtual show in early February to Seth Mendelson bring retailers and suppliers together. Publisher/ Keeping our industry informed and involved is totally Editor-in-Chief necessary right now as we face what might be the most difficult time ever for mass retail. Even as consumers cautiously return to stores and the economy flutters ahead, many industry experts say the impact of COVID-19 on retail could be far-reaching and may influence the industry for years to come. The PLMA’s Private Label Trade Show in November, and its counterpart, PLMA International, Keeping our which is traditionally held in late May in Amsterdam industry informed but is going digital in December, have always been and involved two fantastic ways for people to engage with each other. And, that includes the editorial and sales teams is totally necessary of Store Brands, where we engage with retailers right now as we and suppliers and keep our collective hands on the face what might pulse of the industry. be the most As we keep saying, the private label category is at an interesting crossroads today. While also sufferdifficult time ever ing the impact of the virus, private label and store for mass retail. brands are benefitting from the fact that more and more consumers are looking to find quality merchandise at a more affordable price point. Our industry is making an impact, simply because it is offering a legitimate alternative to consumers. There is always more work to be done and, to be ultimately successful, it is going to take a collaborative effort from everyone in our community to stay ahead of the curve. Yes, we have no event this month, but get ready for the virtual PLMA events in December and February. It is not the real thing, but I am confident that these events will serve our industry well during these difficult times. 6
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November 2020
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An EnsembleIQ Publication 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60631
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Seth Mendelson (973) 650-0263, smendelson@ensembleiq.com
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11/4/20 10:21 AM