Two nonprofit retail groups have agreed to merge. The Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) and Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) will become one.
At their respective board meetings held this week during GlobalShop in Las Vegas, both groups agreed they would be better able to advance the retail industry as a combined organization.
“It is clear to us that the memberships of both organizations have much in common and that the entire industry will benefit greatly from our combining forces,” Michelle Adams of consulting practice Marketing Brainology and the current elected chairman of POPAI said in a statement.
A.R.E. president Bob Rosean of manufacturer TJ Hale continued, “This is a true unification of equals. These two venerable associations bring complementary strengths to the table.”
A search has started for a new CEO of the as-yet-unnamed association, which will be headquartered in Chicago and maintain an additional office in Hollywood, Florida. Current A.R.E. executive director Todd Dittman will become COO of the combined association.