Just like many other American states, South Carolina started out as a predominantly agricultural state. It has however paid much more attention to manufacturing that a tiny percentage of the working population is involved in agriculture. We have more textile mills as the production of cotton is a major footing for the economy of the state.

South Carolina has a dynamic population and an equally dynamic revenue flow. The military facilities in the state bring in people who contribute to the amount of the state’s revenue.

The population of the state is about 5.15 million people. This makes it the 23^rdmost populous state and a fertile ground for retail business. This population is satisfactory enough to give retail distributors a promising market to distribute to.

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.

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 19% of the working population in South Carolina 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 are very useful and can be good platforms to network. Retailers, retail distributors, wholesalers, agents, and many other players in the supply chain subscribe to these associations to widen their network. One of these associations is the South Carolina Beer Wholesalers Association. This association brings together its members to stand against unfavorable policies.

Atlantic Dominion Distributors is a retail distributor that distributes food and beverage to convenience and retail stores.

Merchant Distributors also does distribution to over 650 stores in the United States. They have a network of retailers to which they constantly distribute different health and food items.