SOLON, Ohio — ECRM has issued the following statement regarding travel bans and the coronavirus:

“During this time of uncertainty, ECRM is committed to providing ongoing guidance and support to our buyers and suppliers. As a sense of apprehension over the coronavirus affects our Industry, we strive to continue to create meaningful connections between buyers and suppliers with safe, curated, face-to-face programs and through the scaled technology of the RangeMe platform.

Over the past couple days we have been in communication with our buyer and supplier community to understand their needs, their wants and their overall feelings regarding many of our upcoming programs – an overwhelming majority of the community want and need these programs to continue in order to grow their businesses; but, many have concerns regarding the scale and trajectory of the coronavirus within the next few weeks.

With that, we have made the difficult decision to reschedule the following programs:

• Healthy Living, Vitamin & Nutrition Program
• Home Health & Diabetes Care Program
• Store Brands Health & Beauty Care Program
• Toy & Learning Technology Program
• Store Brands Foods – Perimeter of Store Program
• Store Brands Foods – Center Store Program

As this decision and situation is still quite fluid, we will provide additional specifics as soon as possible.

We are working diligently through our options – determining the best course of action that is required to continue to bring buyers and suppliers together through curated, highly focused category programs. We are confident and optimistic that we can deliver the same level of service our clients have come to expect from ECRM when the timing and environment will support such a decision.

In the meantime; if you are part of a buying team affected by travel bans, canceled trade events and/or are thinking ahead into the uncertain immediate future, ECRM will work with you and your team to leverage our tailored service, as well as the agility of RangeMe, to address your specific sourcing needs. We will continue to connect you with the right products and the right suppliers to help you achieve category success.

For those suppliers, especially those emerging or challenger brands, who deeply rely on our programs and outside trade events – ECRM, and RangeMe, are committed to being a channel and tool for you to accelerate your business and enhance your sales strategy. We also understand the cost and time associated with your involvement in our programs and we want to be sure you continue to achieve positive ROI.

Out of adversity comes opportunity and innovation; we must all be resilient and have the strength and wisdom needed to persevere in these times of uncertainty.

Thank you to all of our clients for their understanding and continued support.”