Press Releases

Shop! MarketPlace 2023: A Huge Success for Physical Retail

The inaugural gathering featured a packed schedule of presentations, experiential zones and awards celebrations, all focused on the magic of in-store experiences.

Published

2 years ago

May 26, 2023

Press Releases

(PRESS RELEASE) Shop! Association, the global trade organization dedicated to building retail environments and promoting retail brands and merchandise, produced its first-ever trade show and conference, Shop! MarketPlace, April 25-27 in Austin, Texas at the Palmer Events Center.

The inaugural gathering featured a packed schedule of presentations, experiential zones and awards celebrations, all focused on the magic of in-store experiences.

The event kicked off with an afternoon of retail store tours, followed by two days of keynotes and presentations on both a main stage and on a Smart Talk stage. Attendees had access to the best partners, suppliers, and industry thought leaders, helping them to create unforgettable retail experiences that keep customers coming back.

The trade show floor, spanning 30,000 square feet, hosted five experiential zones, each showcasing the latest in retail design and innovation. The OMA Awards show-within-a-show and awards ceremony and the Shop! Design Awards celebration recognized the industry’s best in design and creativity, while an industry welcome reception brought everyone together for networking and collaboration.
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“We were so excited to launch this incredibly successful Shop! Association trade event! It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together professionals from all sectors of our industry to network and share ideas.” said Murray Kasmenn, executive director of the Shop! Association. “Attendees reported they learned so much from the presentations and experiential zones, and made valuable connections that will help them create even better experiences for their customers.”

Wil Walker, vice president of Sales for Econoco, agreed, saying, “”The Shop! team did an exceptional job curating a fantastic mix of vendors that created a meaningful experience for the retail industry. We were privileged to be a part of this event and are grateful for the opportunity to FINALLY showcase our brands in person. It is inspiring to see your commitment to the brick and mortar experience, and we appreciate your continued support of our industry.”

The dates and location for Shop! MarketPlace 2024 will be revealed soon. Industry professionals are encouraged to check the Shop! MarketPlace website (shop-marketplace.com) to be sure they don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand their network of partners and learn from the best. Manufacturers, suppliers, brands, retailers, design firms, and consultants come together at Shop! MarketPlace 2024 to discover the magic of in-store experiences.

Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless

When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time. "We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them. Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."