How to Distribute to San Antonio

San Antonio is the seventh-most populous city in the United States and the second-most populous city in both Texas and the Southern United States, with 1,578,030 residents in 2020. San Antonio is currently growing at a rate of 1.47% annually, and its population has increased by 18.88% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 1,327,410 in 2010. Spanning over 491 miles, San Antonio has a population density of 3,253 people per square mile.

With this large population, it is safe to say that the retail market in San Antonio is equally large. And looking at the average income and poverty rate, millions of dollars still go into retail transactions daily in the city.

As characteristic with most large cities, the average income is within a reasonable level. The average household income in San Antonio is $68,838, with a poverty rate of 18.56%.

Expectedly, a lot of products will be competing for attention in this city, and it will take having a unique selling point and an effective strategy to dominate the San Antonio retail market.

To understand the distribution of retail products in the city, we may need to look at the city’s areas and municipalities.

Distributing Products to Downtown

This is the central business district of San Antonio, Texas, United States. It also serves as the urban core of Greater San Antonio, a metropolitan area with nearly 2.5 million people.

More, Downtown gets a lot of tourism traffic annually from visits to its many attraction sites. Tourism alone brings in millions of dollars in revenue for the city. Thus, Downtown is well-positioned to make lots of sales. And this is why it is a major point for consideration to manufacturers and distributors.

Entering the Downtown retail market, and even the San Antonio retail market, requires being strategic. You could go through retailers’ associations or use distributors.

Being part of San Antonio, most of the retailers in Downtown, if not all, will have their memberships in general retailers’ associations based in San Antonio. Thus, you can work with all or any of the San Antonio Retail Merchants Association (SARMA), South Texas Merchant Association, Texas Retailers Association (TRA), Association of Convenience Stores Retailers of Texas (based in San Antonio), and many others.

You can also choose to work with an experienced and established distributor. This is a product distributor that understands the distribution networks of the area and can get products into stores and shopping centers.

Over the years, distributors have forged relationships with retailers and know which products do well in particular areas.

Distributing Products to Schertz

Schertz is within the San Antonio–New Braunfels metropolitan area. Schertz has a 2020 estimated population of 43,091 people. Schertz is currently growing at a rate of 2.42% annually, and its population has increased by 36.95% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 31,465 in 2010. Spanning over 32 miles, Schertz has a population density of 1,347 people per square mile.

Schertz is quite attractive to retailers and distributors as it has a low poverty rate and a high average income. This is despite the large population in the area. The average household income in Schertz is $97,431, with a poverty rate of 6.03%.

To distribute to Schertz, you may have to work with experienced and established distributors. You can also network within retailers’ associations. Schertz doesn’t have its indigenous retailers’ associations, but there are a number of them based in San Antonio and Texas as a whole.

Distribution to University City

University City borders San Antonio to the northeast and is adjacent to Randolph Air Force Base. The population is above 20,000. It is part of the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Universal City is in Bexar County and is one of the best places to live in Texas. Living in Universal City offers residents a dense suburban feel, and most residents own their homes.

It is not surprising that since 2010, the area has seen about 100% growth in population. The uptick in growth is expected to continue as the area offers one of the best places to settle in throughout Texas.

Distributing products to a neighborhood like this may require knowing what works and what doesn’t. This is the advantage you get when you work with an experienced distributor. An experienced distributor understands the area and distribution networks. It is like working with a consultant – you can get a full analysis of consumer patterns, trends, and peculiarities.

You can also work with retailer’s associations in the city. You can get to network within the associations to reach retailers directly. Through this method, you can easily secure distribution deals, especially if you’re looking at running the distribution yourself.

Things to Note When Distributing to San Antonio

Large Market

The San Antonio market is a large one. Consequently, it attracts a lot of products. This means your products must have a way of standing out. You should focus on your unique selling point. Else, it will be hard to differentiate your products from that of your competition.

Coverage

You must know the areas you want to cover. Not all the areas in San Antonio are the same. Some are different by population, income, sizes, and many other factors. You must approach each environment with a well mapped-out plan.

Marketing

As part of your strategy to enter the San Antonio market, you need a marketing plan. This is how you send your marketing messages to the people in the area. You should tailor your marketing messages to your prospects in a way that will appeal to them. This depends on what you’re selling. Nevertheless, employ both mass and internet media to your advantage.