Before you know it, the 2016 holiday season will be upon us…but wait, that’s already old news. The buying and planning process at retail was complete almost seven months ago and it is time to start thinking of the 2017 holiday season. Yes, come January, retailers and manufacturers alike are already planning for the next year.

“I traditionally use the January EPPS to finalize holiday (Christmas) plans,” notes Ashley Fratto, Category Manager, Seasonal Beauty, Walgreen Company. “Quite a bit of work is actually done with my suppliers prior to the show, so I can maximize the time at the event to review and approve any requested changes and finalize updates to the assortment and packaging. The show is my last big review of the program and provides one last chance to see new opportunities from suppliers I may not be familiar with.”

With US retail sales for health and personal care stores -- a potential measure of cosmetics, beauty supply, and perfume demand -- increasing 7.1% in the first seven months of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015*, the growth potential for these categories continues to flourish.

On January 15 – 19, 2017, ECRM will be hosting the Cosmetics, Fragrance and Bath EPPS at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel in Jacksonville, FL. Focusing on holiday gift sets for color cosmetics, fragrances and bath, suppliers will be presenting their brands to retailers from various channels including Food, Drug, Mass, Specialty and e-commerce.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to start planning for the 2017 holiday season. Meet with decision makers at retail and suppliers of these categories at the January industry event.

*Hoover's/D&B subsidiary First Research