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Schnuck Challenges Suppliers on Partnerships

COLORADO SPRINGS - Schnuck Markets has improved its business strategies and is urging suppliers to raise their games in working with the regional chain, said Scott Schnuck, chairman and chief executive officer of the St. Louis-based retailer.

COLORADO SPRINGS - Schnuck Markets has improved its business strategies and is urging suppliers to raise their games in working with the regional chain, said Scott Schnuck, chairman and chief executive officer of the St. Louis-based retailer.

Schnuck told an audience at the Grocery Manufacturers Association Executive Conference here that his company has revamped its category management ranks, created a merchandising analytics center, invested in technology and attempted to benefit from studying customer segmentation.

“We’ve taken steps to get our house in order,” he said, “and I’d encourage you to make sure you’re getting your house in order in how you come to us to work together.” Schnuck said regional distributors such as his operation don’t always get the same attention from trading partners as national retail chains. He cited turnover in the ranks of manufacturer teams calling on Schnucks, which "impedes collaboration because we have to train new manufacturers’ sales reps on our business.”

“My request to our vendor partners is that when you come to call on Schnucks that you have smart people who know the business so we can get to collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships.”

TAGS: Center Store