It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time again: MAPIC (le marché international professionnel de l’implantation commerciale et de la distribution) hosts its annual meeting and our retail practice will be there in full force. Goulston & Storrs has been working with MAPIC for a number of years. Last year in this blog we discussed explosive growth in the retail sector leading up to the show — 520 new brands were represented at the expo as exhibitors, speakers or attendees and Goulston & Storrs led a standing room only panel discussion on what foreign retailers should know about operating in the U.S. In addition to a positive market outlook, MAPIC 2014 also marked the event’s 20th anniversary, adding to the overall excitement of the event.
This year, 226 exhibitors from 37 countries will convene at MAPIC. As it does each year, MAPIC designates a “featured nation” and builds content around issues relevant to that specific market. This year, the U.S. is MAPIC’s featured nation, so we will have great momentum leading into this year’s conversation.
In fact, conversations are already starting. We recently spoke with Bisnow regarding our presence at MAPIC 2015 and what we believe retailers entering the U.S. will want to know this year about opportunities, challenges, and trends. A few of the topics we will cover include the litigation climate and outlook in the U.S. and its impact on retail expansion; intellectual property concerns; and locational considerations such as where brokers and other advisors are in relation to the desired U.S. customer base. We will be ready to tackle those questions and more! We encourage participants to stop by our booth, P-1.H68.
As we look toward MAPIC 2015, we are eagerly scouting trends, drawing out questions, and starting important conversations. We look forward to returning later in November with our finger on the pulse of the international retail community.
