A UNIFIED VOICE FOR RETAIL PRACTITIONERS IN THE SPACE MANAGEMENT FIELD.

The Space Planning Community is a collaborative, non-competitive environment for retailers, consumer goods companies, and brokers to learn, connect, and advance the retail space management profession. Launched by the Association of Retail and Consumer Professionals, headquartered in Chicago, IL the community provides value to its members through networking, best practice sharing, training, events, thought leadership content, and more. With both corporate and individual membership options, participating in a way that suits your needs has never been easier.

Hear from our President:

GOALS OF THE COMMUNITY

Elevate and Advance the Space Planning Profession

Create a safe space for collaboration to leverage shared experiences

Build communal resources for education, development and accreditation

Following the 2022 annual CMA | SIMA Conference in Orlando, ARC brought together 9 founding retailers to explore the need for an industry group focused on Space. This Charter group was passionate about elevating Space Planning to the same professional level as Category Management, Shopper Insights, Supply Chain and other recognized retail functions.

BLOG

Read our latest blog by our VP of Content, Jackie Lewis as she dives into the world of AI and Space Planning in this blog titled, Space Planning by ChatGPT.

SPACE PLANNING FORUM

Members can interact virtually with each other to address questions, exchange ideas and engage in lively conversations regarding the space planning industry.

WHAT OUR MEMBERS ARE SAYING...

Interfacing with this impressive group of professionals has helped push the boundaries of how I think within my own role in space management and has raised my awareness about what is possible.

-Kent Rodina, Director Merchandise Presentation, O’Reilly Auto Parts

This is some of the most exciting conversation I have had in a long time

-Dave King Rite Aid

A major gap in the industry is the lack of common language and standardized vocabulary; while some shared best practices exist, this is often a result of system implementations forcing organizations to adopt similar tools, with little objective information about industry-specific technologies and tools.

-Flora Delaney, original Charter Facilitator

Ultimately the community should help pave the way for what space management of the future should look like.

-Community Member

Space planning is very operational, and we get none of the glory.