North Dakota is a state where a lot of agriculture goes on. This is a state where farm products account for more than 50% of what is hauled by trains. A lot of other activities go down in the state but this shows how groceries and related food items may be quite cheap when compared to the prices in other states.

Retail distributors who have gained experience working in North Dakota would understand that not much manufacturing is done in the state. There is quite some manufacturing when it comes to machinery and animal food and some food processing; however, many essential human commodities are largely imported from other states.

The retail trade is one that connects directly to the consumers. It is the trade that lays emphasis on how to get the consumer to get the product from a particular retailer and to establish a relationship with that retailer. However, a retailer, most times, does not get the goods directly from the manufacturers or get the goods produced herself. There is the existence of the retail distributor in the supply chain.

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.

With about 20% of the working population in North Dakota into retail and wholesale trade, there is an impressive amount working in the supply chain. However, there is more to the supply chain than the number involved. There are general goods everyone is interested in but there are specialized products like adult goods, sports goods, smoking goods, and some others.

Retail associations have proven to be highly beneficial for years. They bring together retailers and this opens them to networking opportunities with retail distributors and has a way of ensuring that they get protection from issues that can negatively affect their business. North Dakota Retail Association (NDRA) is an example of this type of trade association. Members of the NDRA include multi-state chains, small retailers, “Mom and Pops”, and other retail merchants.

Another of these is North Dakota Lumbermen’s Association. The trade-in lumber also has a supply chain that is quite similar to that of the normal product. There are wholesalers who get in contact with those who retail in the lumber. Though differences occur in the supply of wholesale lumber directly to the manufacturers, there is still basically a structure that allows for more players.

Supervalu Inc is a retail distributor who prides itself as an industry leader in the grocery wholesale distribution within and outside North Dakota. It has years of experience in distributing to markets and several retail outlets.