There’s a lot of money on the move. Most of that money seems to have moved pretty far away, too… as we deal with a ripple-effect of consumer confidence issues now that the holidays are past us, and the reality of a brand new year ahead. Some of the recent reports are lamenting poor results in the retail sector, while others are looking forward in a much more optimistic manner, citing figures that predicted the considerable deceleration of the economy in 2009 being followed by a healthy recovery towards 2013. With the global specialty retail industry generating total revenues exceeding $350 billion, over 400,000 specialty retail stores operating in the USA, and a consumer population that isn’t going away any time soon, there’s still a very large piece of retail market share waiting for those who wish to maximize their earnings by participating in events that cater to the wholesalers, retailers, and dealers who make up the specialty retail industry!

One such event is the

Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo & Conference, also known as SPREE, which will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from April 13-15, 2010. This event-studded show promises to be the single most important for anyone who is even considering attending a specialty retail industry related trade show this year. For those who don’t even know if  any shows are in their pipeline, SPREE has an added incentive: FREE admission for registered attendees!

Some highlights of SPREE 2010 can be found on their site, but here are a few of the most impressive ones, to give you an idea of what awaits those who make the trip to Las Vegas this year:

• The specialty retail industry is at least a $12 billion retail segment!
• SPREE is the largest event for the cart & kiosk industry!
• SPREE 2010 registrations are up over 50% from last year at this time. Attendees are a mixture of retailers, store owners, shopping center management, leasing personnel, wholesalers, airport retailers and service providers!
• SPREE 2010 is free to attend – free entrance to the exhibit hall, free seminar programs, free networking and social events!
• There is a great interest in this industry as the economy is starting to shift. Low start up costs, high profit margins. There are also opportunities to negotiate lower rents with shopping centers and a new entrepreneurial spirit of people looking to start their own businesses!

With most specialty retail stores in the USA being comprised of smaller independent shops that generate less than one million per year, it’s not hard to imagine why making your move towards this industry could be a lucrative decision for you. In spite of all the current woes about an economy that is on the downswing, it’s been proven over the decades that starting a venture while the market is down can result in becoming an industry trend-setter and sales leader after a recovery begins to gain momentum.

On another note, there’s more to the SPREE 2010 show than meets the eye, as event coordinators have put together an outstanding mix of informative and entertaining discussion panels an conferences that are sure to stimulate your thoughts, and help you form a better strategy for your own retail sales goals. Some examples of the seminar topics are:

• Creative Leasing Strategies
• Demonstration Concepts
• Getting the Most out of Email Marketing
• Inside Secrets of Specialty Retail
• Maximizing the Power of Social Marketing
• New Ideas for Prospecting
• Retail 101 – The Nuts and Bolts
• Retail 102 – Choosing Your Products
• Retail 103 – Running Your Business
• SLM Roundtable
• Staffing for Success
• Sustainable Growth Strategies
• Working as One: Relationships Between
• Permanent & Specialty Leasing

If you’re not sure whether or not this kind of event is right for you, be sure to visit the interactive form on the SPREE 2010 site for some helpful guidelines that will assist in making the choice. Also be sure to check out the SPREE website to find out about updated seminar information, as well as a resource to review an updated list of exhibitors and video testimonial on the home page. For general information on the specialty retail industry, you can visit www.specialtyretail.com for a look at the online magazine that produces the SPREE Specialty Retail Report.

What are you waiting for? Start heading towards a fun and free event that is sure to provide a vast collection of collective knowledge, experience, and ideas from some of the leading players in the specialty retail industry. Sign up for SPREE 2010 today, and we’ll see you there!