New Jersey is one of the smallest states in the United States but the most densely populated state. All the 21 counties of the state are classified as metropolitan and are highly urbanized. Two factors move trade: demand and supply. In the metropolitan nature of New Jersey and a very low population in farming, there will inevitably be a very high demand for food products and other essentials. It is, therefore, needful to have a sufficient supply of products to the increasing population in the state.

Retail trade is made possible when the supply chain is very effective. The effectiveness of the supply chain is highly dependent on the players in between.

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.

New Jersey has an impressive percentage of retailers and those involved in the supply chain. In 2006, there was an estimated 19% 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.

Starkman Distributors is a retail distributor that operates in New Jersey. The distributor deals in products including cigarettes, cigars, candy, snacks, and health and beauty aids. These are products that are always sought for at retail stores.

The Beverage Trade Network brings together distributors and retailers in the beverage trade. Millions of beverages are consumed daily and a lot of supplies need to be carried out. Retail distributors can network with retailers, restaurants, foodservice distributors, and anyone concerned in the beverage trade. New Jersey has the requisite population and wide market place for an extensive trade in beverages.