Ohio used to be a predominantly farming state. The people were more interested in grain and livestock farming until manufacturing came along. This is more like the story of many American states. They would start out with farming but move massively towards manufacturing leaving about 2 or 3% of the working population in farming.

There is quite a large population in Ohio. With a population of almost 12 million people, it is the 10^thdensely populated state in the United States. This bold paints a much fertile condition for retail trade. As much as retailers are widespread, there is enough market for everyone to thrive. In a city like Zanesville, there is a lot of trade potentials for retailers of all kinds.

Those who know Ohio well would relate quickly to its large manufacturing facilities. A lot of automobiles, aircraft engines, automobile parts, and so many other machinery are produced in the state of Ohio.

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

With about 22% of the working population in the state of Ohio 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.

Trade associations can be very beneficial to those in the particular line it focuses on. In Ohio, there is the Ohio Association of Wholesalers-Distributors. This has been a platform where retail distributors have been able to exchange information and share knowledge on the dynamic trade situation in the state.

Another wholesale association is the Wholesale Beer & Wine Association of Ohio. This association has in-depth knowledge of the alcoholic beverage trade in the state and members get to benefit from this and also from its network.

There are established retail distributors like Flichia Wholesale Distributing which is a family-owned distribution company located on the east side of Columbus, Ohio. It has offered attractive and competitive prices to retailers over the years.