Mitch Gould, founder and CEO of Nutritional Products International (NPI), will bring his extensive retail sales background to the ECRM Vitamin, Weight Management & Sports Nutrition Session, scheduled for Sept. 14-17 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Gould has sold millions of dollars in consumer products to major retailers including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Target, GNC, and Vitamin Shoppe.
For Gould, ECRM provides a unique opportunity to connect with retail decision-makers from multiple channels in a single venue, eliminating the need for countless individual trips. "I've spent my career traveling the country, sitting down with buyers and building relationships with major retailers," Gould said. "ECRM brings many of those opportunities together under one roof. Instead of flying from city to city for individual meetings, you can have productive conversations with retailers over several days in one location."
The value extends beyond efficiency. "Retail has always been a relationship business," Gould added. "There is something different about meeting people face-to-face, having dinner together, talking outside the formal meeting environment and getting to know the people behind the business. ECRM creates that kind of atmosphere."
Gould's retail experience spans decades and includes working with manufacturers, consumer brands, and major retailers in the health, wellness, and nutrition industries. He later developed NPI's "Evolution of Distribution" platform, which provides domestic and international brands with a streamlined approach to entering or expanding in the U.S. market by integrating sales, marketing, logistics, and retail distribution services.
"ECRM fits naturally with the way we approach retail expansion at NPI," Gould explained. "It gives us an opportunity to sit across the table from retailers, understand what they are looking for and introduce them to brands and products that may fit their customers."
Gould's participation is particularly timely as the dietary supplement industry faces increasing competition and regulatory scrutiny. The ECRM session offers a platform for brands to differentiate themselves and secure shelf space in a crowded market. By leveraging his relationships and insights, Gould aims to help NPI's client brands navigate these challenges effectively.
"Technology has made business faster, but relationships still matter," Gould said. "When you can bring efficiency and personal relationships together, that's a powerful combination."
Gould will attend the September session on behalf of NPI and the brands the company represents, underscoring the importance of direct engagement in today's retail environment.
