Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
More than 55 vendors, all interested in working with Orgill to increase market share in Canada, the U.S. and in some cases both, gathered Jan. 17 in Toronto to meet with senior members of Orgill Inc.’s merchandising team to discuss collaborative distribution opportunities.
“The Open-to-Buy event sets the stage for expanding our collaboration with manufacturers who are looking to grow their distribution network throughout the U.S. and Canada,” says Jeff Curler, vice president of advertising and dealer promotions. “It’s imperative for Orgill to continue hosting these kinds of events because it helps us better identify products and manufacturers that are relevant to our customers. Continuing to expand and evolve our assortment of products is paramount to delivering on our mission to help our customers be successful.”
As Orgill continues to expand its service area, it aggressively seeks out new vendor relationships both to ensure it is meeting the needs of its diverse customer base and to find ways to expand economies of scale within its vendor relationships.
In Canada, where Orgill has seen marked growth, the Open-to-Buy day event was open specifically to Canadian manufacturers who might fit into both Orgill’s Canadian and worldwide distribution offering.
In attendance from Orgill were Brett Hammers, senior vice president of merchandising and marketing; Myron Boswell, vice president of dealer sales-central & Canada; Curler; Mike Ferrell, vice president of LBM; and Phillip Walker, vice president of marketing.
The event included one of two general sessions in which Orgill’s executive team presented the company’s mission, core values and global operating practices to the potential vendors. Orgill strongly believes in the importance of a mutually beneficial relationship with its vendor partners and a vendor-distributor fit must be good for Orgill as well as the vendor, Curler says. “We think this kind of approach has really allowed Orgill to develop loyal relationships with manufacturers across the globe, which filters down to the best service, quality and products for its customers,” he says.
Immediately following the general session, vendors were separated into smaller breakout groups to meet with executives directly in line with their specific categories. These half-hour meetings were set up as open forums to encourage vendors to share their business goals and missions. Among the topics discussed were product lines, community values and current vendor partners.
Following the event, Orgill executives took the gathered information back to their merchandising team in Memphis. Over the course of several meetings, the Orgill buyers were able to vet the new vendors. Part of the commitment from the Open-to-Buy event was a promise that an Orgill buyer would be in contact with each vendor.
