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Working Groups: Independent Grocers (Task Force)
Exploring the Next Frontier: Increasing Local Food Sales at Vermont's Independent Retailers
"Exploring the Next Frontier: Increasing Local Food Sales at Vermont's Independent Retailers" is a report published by Farm to Plate's Supply and Demand Task Force in order to help grow the independent grocer market in ways that work for retailers, farmers, food producers, and distributors. The report provides an understanding of the kinds of products independent grocery stores currently sell and what real and perceived barriers exist to selling more or different products at independent grocery stores.
Independent Grocery research report - Phase 2
In 2014, the Vermont Farm to Plate Network, in collaboration with the Vermont Retail & Grocers Association (VRGA), completed a survey of independent retailers in Vermont, revealing that 100 percent of store managers value local products as critical to their store brand. In the second phase of research, we wanted to learn more about how independent stores buy and sell local foods, along with their interest in workshops, training and business support services that can help increase local food sales.
Retail Training Collection
The Retail Collection includes resources developed or used by the Independent Grocers Task Force to complement its statewide in-store retail trainings, including the Take 5 video series and the Small Bites newsletter archive along with written resources designed to help retailers more effectively source and merchandise local food. Video episode topics include promotions, purchasing, merchandising, in-store displays, signage, sampling, and procurement. The written resources cover purchasing, merchandising, operations, financials, and staffing. Farmers and specialty food producers interested in learning more about best practices in retail merchandising may also find value in the video series.
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 1: Introduction to Local Foods in Vermont
An introduction to the local food landscape in Vermont.
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 2: Building Relationships with Local Producers
A look at how to build effective relationships with local producers and the local gateway products that can help jump-start your local purchasing and sales.
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 3: Tips for Sourcing from Local Producers
Tips that cover guidance on ordering, delivery, invoicing and billing, crediting, and additional requirements and policies when sourcing from local producers.
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 4: The Bell Curve of Buying
This episode covers the 5 key questions to ask when buying a product for your store: (1) Should I buy it? (2) Who should I buy from? (3) What should the price be? (4) Where should it be displayed? (5) How's it selling?
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 5: The Bell Curve of Merchandising & Display
This episode covers the 5 keys questions to ask after you've brought in new product to your store: (1) Have sales dropped? (2) Should the price be changed? (3) Change up the display? (4) Change who we buy from? (5) Discontinue and bring in new items?
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 6: Display Tips & Tricks
Display tips for all stores that covers basic display concepts and provides inspiration to unleash staff creativity.
Retail Training Collection Take 5 Episode 7: MORE Display Tips & Tricks
More display tips for all stores that covers basic display concepts and provides inspiration to unleash staff creativity.
