What: 7th Annual Global Retailing Conference, "New Methods/New Markets - Retailing Excellence in a Global Marketplace" Sponsored by the Southwest Retail Center for Education and Research at the University of Arizona in Tucson When: April 4-5 Where: Marriott University Park Hotel, 880 E. Second Street in Tucson Related Web site: http://www.ag.arizona.edu/fcs/srcer/ Contact Information Media - Ellen Goldsberry 520-621-1140 elleng@ag.arizona.edu Registration Information - Kimberly Brooke 520-621-1715 kbrooke@u.arizona.edu

The events of last September have had a tremendous impact on retailing in the United States. Many consumers have adopted a "wait and see" attitude on making many purchases. Some businesses, such as American automakers, responded with unprecedented deals as a way to attract customers and, more importantly for some, jettison excess inventory.

The annual UA Global Retailing Conference has again attracted a group of top retailing experts to speak on current industry issues and perspectives, and will especially focus on retailing in a global economy and explore strategies needed to stay competitive in a changing marketplace. They will discuss ways to reach and sustain new customer segments through successful marketing and technology innovation, says Ellen Goldsberry, professor and director of the Southwest Retail Center for Education and Research.

One special session on leading practices and solutions for retaining existing and attracting new consumers (consumer investment management) will be presented by Natt Fry, managing principal at IBM. Additional sessions will include best business practices in multi-channel retailing, change strategy, consumer buying behavior, brand identity, managed growth and creative service delivery. Speakers will include executives and academicians from J. Peterman Company, Walgreens, Cisco Systems, PETsMART, Santa Clara University, IBM, Strategic Mindshare, Sports Authority, The Mark Group, Retail Evolution, GMA Incorporated and Wal-Mart.

Other participants will include retail personnel and executives, consultants, franchisers, marketing executives, consumer researchers, business representative, educator and students. The conference also is open to the public.