Welcome to the Summer 2011 Wholesale Manager. As the second half of 2011 kicks off, we hope you’re having a winning year. This is the latest issue of the UK cash ‘n’ carry and delivered wholesale industry’s very own independently published, sector-specific tabloid-size magazine. We’ve created Wholesale Manager specially to be different in looks and content, and the title busy wholesale managers turn to for a good read, in print or digital. We’re publishing this in print, digital format and on our web site.
Sorry, school kids, but when the holidays start, the new term’s not far off in trading terms. Hence our ‘Summer’ features look at Barbeques, Back To School, and Home Baking. Right now the barbeque season is in full swing, with the late Easter and Royal Wedding bank holiday starting the party with a vengeance. And if the weather holds, entertaining outdoors should soar still higher in popularity between now and autumn.
Also in this issue we have an exclusive interview with Dean Attwell, MD of Oakland Distribution. Oakland Distribution was set up in 2009 to offer wholesale and foodservice customers an exciting range of chilled, frozen and ambient products, backed by the same calibre supply chain service its sister company Oakland International offers the multiple retailers. In particular Oakland Distribution has been working closely with Landmark’s Central Office to create a distribution service offering Landmark Wholesale’s UK Members improved flexibility, and a greater range of products and delivery options. In a second coup, Oakland Distribution, together with business partner The Dairy Trader, won an award for their dairy products consolidation scheme in the Business Initiative of the Year category at this year’s The Grocer Gold Awards.
In our interview Dean Attwell challenges wholesale managers to make more of the Chilled category. He says cash ‘n’ carries need to put the chilled display in their main aisles, forcing buyers in front of the chilled offer in every visit. He argues that a strong chilled offer is essential to build footfall and sales: good c-stores can succeed, but to really work the wholesalers must buy in too. Now there’s a call to action!
When the leaves start changing colour, Home Baking season is approaching fast. At this time of year cash ‘n’ carries and delivered wholesalers should help neighbourhood retailers capture the profit potential with a strong product selection.
Also peaking in September, Back to School is a major annual opportunity for cash ‘n’ carries and delivered wholesalers to help c-stores and independent retailers capture tasty profits. Food and drink for lunchboxes is the biggest “bite” overall, but neighborhood retailers near schools score heavily on impulse purchases by school kids are traditionally sweets, snacks and soft drinks. Stationery for school is an important money-spinner too.
Here’s to a good summer, and successful trading.
James Surridge, Publishing Editor, Wholesale Manager
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