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Retail Business Review: Specials Magazine
Bunzl Retail Services is a global leader in goods-not-for-resale, distribution and fulfillment services, supported by a diverse ethically sourced supply chain. By outsourcing complex operational functions to Bunzl, retail partners can concentrate on what matters most—driving growth and revenue. A division of Bunzl PLC, a FTSE 100-listed value-added distribution leader located in 32 countries, it leverages global scale and deep-rooted expertise to drive operational success for retailers. Its distribution services are supported by more than 15 warehouses across North America and a team of over 1,000 employees. “In the retail world, customers have different strengths and focuses within their business units. We fill the gaps, ensuring strong performance and allowing retailers to prioritize their core business,” says Christine Huffer, vice president, customer experience. What makes Bunzl stand out is its ability to meet clients wherever they are and provide end-to-end solutions—from sourcing products to final mile delivery. It offers scalable services, including new store and remodel programs, warehousing, custom packaging and visual merchandizing solutions. The new store and remodel programs allow retailers to save time and costs by consolidating multiple vendor deliveries into a coordinated, sequenced schedule—ensuring everything arrives on time, complete and ready for setup. Under this concierge service model, each client is supported by a national account manager who acts as a single point of contact, ensuring seamless communication and quick responses. A key advantage of working with Bunzl is its commitment to keeping customers informed on new legislation, ensuring compliance and supporting risk mitigation. With a dedicated audit team, every supplier is thoroughly vetted to maintain a trusted, compliant supply chain. This involves on-site visits and evaluating ethical standards and labor practices to guarantee compliance with customer and company standards. This boots on the ground approach helps Bunzl to proactively respond to challenges posed by external factors like tariffs and macroeconomic influences. Bunzl’s in-house capabilities extend beyond distribution. Its packaging division, Keenpac, offers custom packaging for retailers seeking brand integrity across multiple locations and supply categories. A division of Bunzl, Christine Taylor Collection specializes in visual merchandising that transforms retail spaces into engaging brand experiences. It offers design and ideation services to produce fixtures, seasonal trim packages and merchandising tools that align with brand identity and project goals. Keeping these services in-house eliminates the need for retailers to manage multiple vendors, and combining them with other GNFR supplies minimizes freight costs.
Retail Distribution Service
Typical distribution models focus on the transactional aspect of selling a product, with little or no attention given to maintaining the relationship beyond a sale. The foundation of Virtual Supply is in stark contrast to this; it is built upon forging and nurturing meaningful relationships. It stands out as a strategic distribution partner that emphasizes a deeper level of engagement and collaboration with clients. Virtual Supply is a full-service, direct-to-consumer distributor that delivers strategic distribution, fulfillment and custom solutions to manufacturers and retailers. It seamlessly manages processes end-to-end, including product introduction, sales, marketing, fulfillment and reverse logistics. By working with clients on joint initiatives and sharing invaluable resources, expertise and risks, Virtual Supply enhances operational efficiency. “Our commitment to building reliable and meaningful customer relationships sets us apart,” says Chuck Taylor, CEO. “We establish long-term strategic plans that drive mutual success.” Proactive planning allows it to maintain product availability at all times and minimize disruptions. It works with retail partners across both inline and online platforms to manage the minimum advertised price, a key initiative for manufacturers to ensure a stable retail market. [CIOS_QUOTES_REPLACE] Virtual Supply is proficient in managing product returns–often a major issue for suppliers and retailers. Its in-house reverse logistics group receives, sorts, categorizes and efficiently processes returns across all channels to maintain value and consistency for partners. A dedicated division supports the goods not-for-resale channel for major retailers like Walmart and Costco. This requires a skill set and understanding of the in-store network, a specialty the company has built over its 30 years of experience in this space, supplying and supporting over 6,000 retail locations.
Store Fixture Interior Glass Service
Dillmeier Glass is a leading supplier of retail store glass fixtures, with a reputation not just as an experienced partner but for its profound understanding of the end user’s needs. What truly distinguishes Dillmeier Glass is its rich history, rooted in both glass and fixture manufacturing, which has shaped its unique ability to craft interior fixtures that are visually stunning and highly functional—transforming every display into a work of art. “Dillmeier glass exclusively fabricates interior glass. We excel at it because it is all we do,” says David Dillmeier, CEO. “Whether for modular office walls, retail displays or decorative glass features, we deliver durable, high-quality products that meet every retail need. Our ability to meet the nuanced and specific demands of businesses across various industries ensures unmatched quality and precision in every project.” This legacy of glass expertise not only sets the stage for Dillmeier Glass but enriches the client engagement experience. From the first sketch to the final delivery, the team at Dillmeier Glass immerses itself in each project, ensuring every project is delivered 100 percent complete and on time, which is not always the case in the glass industry. This depth of involvement also allows for value engineering suggestions and alternatives to ensure maximum profits, efficiency and success for its customers. Over the years, Dillmeier Glass has also developed an efficient method of crated delivery. This approach significantly reduces breakages, ensuring that glass products arrive at the customer’s destination in perfect condition. Crating simplifies storage and handling on-site, as the glass is protected from the elements and can be unloaded without specialized equipment. Supported by a dedicated engineering team, Dillmeier Glass commits to active involvement throughout the development process, offering clarity on regulatory codes, guiding execution and guaranteeing timely, high-quality deliveries.
CXO INSIGHTS
Implementing Cyber Security Strategies in Retail for Data-Driven Success
Arthur Phidd, Chief Information Officer, REEDS Jewelers
A Member-Centric Retail Transformer
Todd Garner, Chief Product Officer, Sam`s Club
Supply Chain Insights for the Retail Tech Industry: Navigating the Digital Revolution
Rolando Aguillon, Global Sr. Director Planning and S&OP, Sensormatic Electronics
Building a Scalable, Patient-Centered Compliance Program
Jennifer Motchnik, Manager of Pharmacy Adherence Packaging, Central Fill Pharmacy, RITE AID
The Art of Leadership Beyond Personal Achievement
Acie McMillan, Regional Director of Operations, S&S Activewear
The Future of Localization Using AI
Jackie Long, Director of Merchandising Technology Initiatives, Bealls Inc
Transforming Customer Experience Leveraging Technology
Wes Dudley, Senior Vice President, Customer Experience & Retail Operations, Broad River Retail
IN FOCUS
Future-Ready Distribution: Harnessing Technology and Collaboration in Retail
Retail distribution partners are evolving through technology, agility, and collaboration to meet shifting demands, overcome challenges, and unlock strategic growth.
Key Trends in Retail Supply Distribution Technology
Retail supply distribution benefits from IoT, automation, and data analytics to improve efficiency and meet market demands.
EDITORIAL
Driving Retail Supply and Analytics into the Future
The retail industry is experiencing a profound transformation as digital technologies, evolving consumer expectations, and data-driven strategies reshape how products are sourced, managed, and delivered. Companies that combine operational efficiency with actionable insights are better positioned to respond to market shifts and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Supply chains have evolved from simple logistical networks into intelligent ecosystems powered by analytics, automation, and real-time visibility. Advanced forecasting tools allow retailers to anticipate demand accurately, while predictive inventory management and collaborative platforms enhance coordination across suppliers, warehouses, and last-mile delivery channels. Integrating IoT, automation, and robotics ensures operational agility, minimizes errors, and strengthens customer satisfaction, all while optimizing costs and resources.
Equally critical is the ability to translate complex data into meaningful strategies. Analytics platforms provide actionable insights that guide decision-making, enabling teams to prioritize initiatives, streamline operations, and measure performance consistently. Organizations that embrace a culture of data-driven decision-making can respond rapidly to challenges and opportunities, ensuring long-term resilience and adaptability.
In this edition, we highlight insights from Mathew Vermilyer and Rolando Aguillon, who share guidance on making analytics actionable and leveraging technology to optimize supply chains.
As the retail landscape becomes increasingly dynamic, success depends on harmonizing technology, process optimization, and workforce agility. Retailers must invest in systems that provide end-to-end visibility, enable real-time collaboration, and support continuous improvement at every touchpoint.
This issue provides readers with practical strategies to enhance supply chain performance, improve operational efficiency, and create customer-focused experiences. By applying these insights, organizations can build resilient, adaptive, and intelligent retail networks capable of thriving in a rapidly changing market, ensuring both operational excellence and sustainable growth.
