ALDI seeking suppliers for Southwest buying event
ALDI Inc., a Batavia, Ill.-based retailer that operates more than 1,500 stores across 34 states, is hosting a supplier engagement event at the new ALDI Rosenberg Divisional Distribution Center on Nov. 2 to meet with potential suppliers about the opportunity to become an ALDI partner. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., includes lunch and will feature a presentation from ALDI, testimony from a current ALDI supplier and an in-depth tour of the 670,000 square-foot Rosenberg Divisional Distribution Center. This will allow potential suppliers to see how products are received, selected and shipped to stores. Attendees will also gain insight into the benefits of doing business with ALDI, its long-term approach to supplier partnerships and information on how to become an ALDI supplier.
At the conclusion of the presentation and tour, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in one-on-one meetings with ALDI buyers.
“As we continue to grow our presence in markets across the country, we need supplier partners to grow with us. Our supplier partners help us to deliver exceptional, premium products that our customers keep coming back for which has fueled our rapid expansion,” said Josh Williamson, director of corporate buying, ALDI. “When we find a supplier that consistently answers the call for high-quality products and service and is responsive to changing customer needs, it’s not uncommon for our relationship to span many years. This loyalty represents a tremendous opportunity for our suppliers to achieve significant, steady volume and increased sales.”
ALDI said is looking for manufacturers of food and non-food products that can produce items included in its everyday assortment. ALDI offers the most commonly purchased grocery items and, as it enters new markets, it seeks to carry a few high-volume local favorites, as well.
“ALDI works with the best suppliers to produce products for ALDI exclusive brands,” Williamson added. “Today, more than 90 percent of ALDI products are sold under our exclusive label. For this event, manufacturers with facilities in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas are encouraged to attend.”
ALDI said it is working closely with the Retail Group of Solon, Ohio-based ECRM on the event. ECRM’s Retail Group was formed to take a strategic account approach with its tier-one retail clients that impact all of ECRM’s category-specific events. By doing so, ECRM is able to develop individualized plans to help retail clients go to market faster and alleviate any of their daily challenges, whether those challenges are coordinating competitive line reviews or helping source new suppliers. The ALDI buying event is an example of such custom initiatives.
“We teamed up with ECRM because they have the experience, knowledge and tools to help us reach key suppliers in the southwest,” said Williamson. “We’re excited to work with ECRM to help us expand our reach in the region and seek new supplier partners that can provide our customers with high-quality products at everyday low prices.”
Suppliers interested in attending the event can visit www.aldiussuppliers.com or contact Taylor Huston, ECRM at 440-248-2963 or [email protected].