Known majorly for car production, the state of Michigan has been one of the largest, if not the largest, producers of automobiles in the world. This has been a major source of economic activity in the state. However, there are other economic activities in the state. There is surprisingly a significant percentage of retailers and wholesalers in the state. This may be attributable to the high population and the economic prosperity of the state.

Michigan is also a tourist state. In fact, it is one of the most popular tourist centers in the United States. This means that there is a large influx into the state and there is the need for more products to be supplied to the thousands of retail outlets in the state.

A retail store is an essential part of the supply chain – it is the point where the consumer can get items to purchase. All other points in the supply chain don’t directly deal with the final consumer. However, retail stores are almost everywhere. You can find a convenience store in almost every neighborhood. Thus, competition is tough.

The retail business is basically the sale of goods to consumers. It is that outlet that deals in the transfer of the product to the last person in the supply chain – the consumer. The retail outlets could be the supermarket, the retail stores, the grocery stores, the convenience store, and many others.

Retail distributors are essential links in the supply chain. When manufacturers produce their products, they need distribution for the product. There are several situations where the manufacturer does the distribution to retailers. This is direct store delivery. However, not all manufacturers have the capacity to do their own distribution to retail outlets. For instance, a new brand still seeking market recognition does not have a name in the market and will need to be significantly promoted and pushed. A retail distributor can do the better job of getting the product to several hundred or even thousands of stores.

Grocers are very essential to our human existence and even with the rate of agriculture in Michigan; there is still the need to get the products to those who don’t engage in farming. That’s why retail distributors like D&B Grocers are in business. The business presents itself to understand the changing nature of the retail food industry and is set for any change. It is currently available throughout Michigan and their connection with retailers has gone quite far.

Kaps Wholesale is another retail distributor who specializes in full-line meat, beef, pork, poultry, and specialty food wholesale. It sells to retailers, wholesalers, food service centers, and other outlets where food products are needed.

The Michigan Distributors and Vendors Association (MDVA) is a non-profit organization that comprises wholesale distributors of grocery and convenience products and work at getting retailers on board to facilitate networking and working business relationships among the players in the supply chain. This is very beneficial to both parties as there is a lot of business that can be carried out.