Sell to Wakefern Stores & Become a Wakefern Vendor

As the founder of Retail MBA, Karen Waksman knows a thing or two about selling products to retailers. In this article, she focuses specifically on Wakefern ShopRite, a unique company that oversees a variety of supermarket chains including ShopRite, Price Rite, The Fresh Grocer, Reddington Farms, and more. Waksman explains that if you have a consumer product that you think should be on their store shelves, there are some things to keep in mind when selling to Wakefern ShopRite.

One of the first things to consider is that Wakefern is unique in that it has many different companies underneath its umbrella. In total, Wakefern is responsible for around 329 supermarkets, but these stores go by different names. This can be confusing for people who want to sell their products to these stores, because each division may have a different buying division. However, if you are able to get a vendor number from one of the divisions, you can use that to reach out to the appropriate buyer in other divisions. This is because Wakefern shares the same software and information related to vendors across all of its divisions.

A vendor number is given to vendors who receive a purchase order from a buyer. This number tracks you as a vendor, allowing Wakefern to keep track of what you send them, as well as any mail orders or deliveries. Once you have a vendor number, you can use it to reach out to different divisions within Wakefern and try to start working with them. The fact that you are already in the system as a vendor is a huge value add for buyers, as they do not have to fill out any paperwork to work with you.

Waksman points out that sometimes buyers may not want to work with you simply because they are too busy or do not want to add more paperwork to their business. However, if you are already in their system as a vendor, it makes it much easier for them to work with you. It is important to note that even though Wakefern’s divisions may have different names, they are still owned by the same corporation and share the same software and vendor information. This means that the buyer for ShopRite may be different from the buyer for The Fresh Grocer, but they can still both work with you if you have a vendor number from one of Wakefern’s divisions.

If you want to learn more about how to approach, pitch, and sell to retailers such as Wakefern ShopRite, Waksman recommends checking out the resources available on Retail MBA’s website. The website offers free trainings, advanced paid trainings, live events, and certification programs. Retail MBA works with people in the grocery chain mix as well as any other retail, supporting people in every product category. Waksman also invites readers to subscribe to Retail MBA’s channel for more content, or to message the team with suggestions for future trainings.

In conclusion, selling products to Wakefern ShopRite requires some strategic thinking and understanding of how the company is structured. By getting a vendor number from one division, you can potentially work with other divisions as well. This is a valuable opportunity for both vendors and buyers, as it streamlines the process of working together. If you are interested in learning more about how to sell to Wakefern ShopRite or other retailers, Retail MBA is a great resource to check out.