POPAI and A.R.E. merge to form new association

A.R.E. (Association for Retail Environments) and POPAI (Point of Purchase Advertising International) announced their merger to form a combined new association that will be rebranded in the coming months. The new association will provide expanded services, including research, education and networking to approximately 2,000 member companies at six continents.

"By combining our memberships, we are creating a global association that will be positioned as the industry leader in retail environments and customer experience,” said Todd Dittman, Chief Operating Officer, A.R.E.

A new combined board of directors was named, with members representing both organizations, A.R.E. said. The board will meet in November during the first joint industry summit at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation in Florida.

The new association will be headquartered in Chicago, where A.R.E. is based, but will also retain office in Hollywood, Fla., where POPAI is based.

He added, "The combination of POPAI's renowned research expertise and education/certification programs and A.R.E.'s leading member search engine and respected industry-wide magazine will provide members with unprecedented access to reports, education, marketing and networking opportunities.”