It's time for a little March Madness 💥

Hello! 🎉

It’s almost that time again!

You have your top teams picked, you run the numbers, you strategize, and strategize again.

No matter how foolproof your plan, there’s always upsets, buzzer-beaters, bracket busters, heart-stopping close games, and routs you don’t expect.

We’re both talking about line reviews, right? 😜

Even if your line review has passed or isn’t for a while, it’s best to stay ahead of the game.

Read further to hear how some of the best suppliers prepare to face the competition.

Here’s How To Build A Better Supplier Bracket 🏀

1. Know Your Sales Stats Like a Bracket Pro 🤓

Just like analyzing March Madness brackets, understanding your sales numbers is key. Your merchant team will expect you to come prepared with data on Fill Rate, On-Time delivery, and other vital metrics. It's the equivalent of scouting opponents' strengths and weaknesses before the big game, and that includes your own business.

2. Craft an Action Plan That's Tournament-Worthy 😤

Every great coach CPG supplier knows the importance of strategy, and your make-it-or-break-it game might be at line reviews. Have a game plan for addressing any shortcomings in your performance metrics. It's like tweaking your game plan at halftime to secure the win.

3. Invest in Content: It's Your MVP 💪

Your product might be a slam dunk, but without investing in content, it's like having a star player without proper media training (we’re looking at you, Jokić.). Ensure your online and in-store presence shines bright to maximize performance.

4. Give Your Buyer Some Leverage 🌟

Just as teams diversify their options with a variety of players, suppliers can give your buyer levers to pull. Whether it's flexible pricing strategies or innovative marketing initiatives, make sure you offer options that empower your buyer to make winning decisions. Make your buyer lock in your business for the season.

5. Stay Agile: Expect the Unexpected 👀

In the world of retail, as in sports, change is inevitable. Be ready to pivot and adapt your strategies on the fly. Be ready to adapt to new rule-changes and trends to keep your team competitive.

Other Retailer News 📰

February 23, 2024

Walmart hits supplier emissions goal 6 years early

"The retailer’s vendors have already reported enough projects to fulfill Project Gigaton’s target of cutting 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases from its supply chain."

February 20, 2024

Amazon proposes less packaging, more savings for its sellers

"The e-commerce giant opened its Ships in Product Packaging program to hundreds of thousands of merchants that use its fulfillment services."

February 26, 2024

FTC Challenges Kroger’s Acquisition of Albertsons

"Largest supermarket merger in U.S. history will eliminate competition and raise grocery prices for millions of Americans while harming tens of thousands of workers, FTC alleges."

Rick’s Tips

If you’re keeping up with his story, One-Click Rick is SupplyPike’s helpful mascot, full of tips and tricks for all things revenue loss.

While he loves motivating suppliers to dispute deductions, Rick was in the running as the Clippers mascot. He dropped out gracefully when he found out the LA team was not in fact, called the Clickers.

“Target Suppliers, are you familiar with a resource called the “Supplier Management Team”?

This team is a gold mine for suppliers who have questions and want help straight from the retailer. Here’s a resource to help set up that meeting and prepare!”

Let’s Circle Back 🌀

If your strategy for building a March Madness bracket is based on which mascot would win in a fight; you’re in luck. 👊

Use your retailer knowledge to determine which retailer mascot would make it to the final four. Vote at this link!

Modern Online Gaming Tournament Bracket Instagram Post

There are some unsettling contenders (We’re looking at you, Kroger Grocery bag), but for more information, look up some of the less well-known mascots like Peccy, Homer Depot, and Plato.

❤️ Sincerely, Your Friends in Vendorville

SupplierWiki

From buzzer-beaters to line reviews: March Madness is here!