Gourmet Business January 2017

I am looking forward to 2017 because we will be able to put a lot of uncertainty behind us, and enjoy a fresh start.  The world is changing in so many ways, and so very quickly.  Did you realize that just ten years ago we were introduced to this new device from Apple Computer called the iPhone?  What would we do without it or other such devices?  How did we live without it?  Then came along the iPad and we were able to walk around with a high-powered computer in our hands that enabled us to do so many new things...like shop until we drop in the comfort of our beds, and read Gourmet Business of course.

The introduction of these devices had an immediate impact on e-commerce too, driving on-line sales to record levels.  Amazon was no longer a rainforest, it had become a mighty retailing powerhouse that has certainly transformed our business.  For this reason, Gourmet Business has awarding the 2017 GIA Award for internet retailing to Amazon, and we look forward to sharing their accomplishments and innovations with you in our March issue.

In case you weren’t paying attention, our mobile phones have recently learned a new trick, which I think will have in impact on brick and mortar retailing.  They can be used as wallets, and enable quick transactions at the point of purchase by those who have enabled their phones with the capability.  In case you haven’t read up on the relatively recent trend, you should find our story in this issue on mobile wallets enlightening.

The team at Gourmet Business is proud to announce the grand opening of our very own showroom at the Las Vegas Market Center located at C1130.  Come by and say hello and take a moment to see the new products from the new resources that we have brought to market.  You can learn more about some of the companies exhibiting in our showroom in this issue.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Happy New Year…let’s make 2017 a great success!