Mississippi, named after the River Mississippi, is an industrialized state with deep roots in agriculture. The warm climate of Mississippi and the fertile ground makes it very suitable for cotton production. However, a lot of manufacturing and professional services have taken the place of agriculture in the state with less than 10 percent involved in full-time farming.

Just like every other American state, there are essentials that are needed daily by Americans. Food, shelter, toiletries, clothes, electronic gadgets, transportation, and a whole lot of essentials are needed by the average human being for existence in the 21^stcentury world.

Mississippi has an impressive percentage of retailers and those involved in the supply chain. In 2006, there was an estimated 18% of those employed in the sector. This shows a solid customer base for retail distributors. But first, let’s break the retail business down.

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 a better job of getting the product to several hundred or even thousands of stores.

Retail distributors network with retail associations in getting those who they can get into business with. Retailers who are new to the trade can get to meet distributors via this platform. One such association is the Mississippi Retail and Grocers Association. This association brings together retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and other people involved in the distribution of consumer goods.

Another of such associations is the Mississippi Beer Distributors Association. This association brings together its 9 distributors who deliver beer to several vendors across the state. Just like every trade association, the protection of its members’ interests is paramount.

There are big retail distributors in the state like Long Wholesale. This is a retail distributor with warehouses in Corinth and Meridian, Mississippi. It provides next day service to more than 1200 customers throughout the state.

The job of retail distributors makes the jobs of manufacturers and retailers easier.