By: Rebecca Daniels, Director, Education, FMI
Uncertainty is no longer the exception—it’s the environment we operate in.
From tariffs and supply chain delays to evolving energy and building regulations, today’s grocery retail leaders are being asked to make big decisions with shifting information. But how can you plan ahead when everything keeps changing? That’s exactly the kind of conversation we’re having at the 2025 FMI Energy & Store Development Conference (E+SD), October 6-9, in San Diego.
Whether you're working through how to source store flooring that lasts, or how to design refrigeration systems that meet next-gen energy codes, everything comes back to store development. From the floor to the ceiling, every inch of the store is under pressure to perform smarter, cleaner and more cost-effectively.
But beyond functionality, today’s grocery store must also deliver an experience that keeps shoppers coming back. In a competitive landscape where convenience and expectations are higher than ever, thoughtful design is key to creating inviting, efficient spaces that engage consumers and strengthen loyalty.
Energy itself is entering a new era. With data centers and electrification demands straining power grids, retailers face a tough balancing act: how to keep stores on and operations flowing while still building for growth.
And then there’s AI, full of potential, but still new for many. It’s moving quickly, and the rules haven’t caught up yet. How can you make AI work for your operations now, even as the landscape continues to evolve? At E+SD 2025, we’re not just talking about these challenges, we’re solving them. Attendees will hear from peers who are building stores that flex with uncertainty, experts unpacking the latest in energy policy and innovators using AI to rethink operations from the ground up. Sessions will also dive into real-world strategies for cutting costs, whether through smarter equipment investments, energy efficiency gains or streamlined store development plans.
Join us this October and walk away with the insights, connections and strategies you need to build smarter, future-ready stores, no matter what comes next.
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