Warehouse/Club
Herbert O. Crane & Associates is located just a stone’s throw away from the headquarters of one of America’s leading warehouse clubs. Transactions with this company actively generates tremendous dollar volume for our agency.
The membership clubs we have partnered with are not just about warehouse sales either. Purchasing for these stores include online items, business-to-business items, kiosk items, and international items. This obviously increases our volume potential enormously. Purchasing is centrally controlled, with truckload and container quantity shipments being split to each warehouse location from factory direct or depot connections. This has translated into millions of dollars in sales per year for some of the brands we have represented.
The selection of items for warehouse sales is highly discriminating and aimed at bringing the greatest value for a competitive price. For those factories creative in their approach to product design, rewards can be enormous.
Another popular membership chain we have had a long-lasting relationship with is Bi-mart, an 80-store discount chain, headquartered in Eugene, Oregon. Bi-Mart has been a staple of the Northwest for more than 65 years. A major portion of its considerable volume is purchased through feeders and other two-step distribution. However, Bi-Mart has their own warehouse replenishment system for key buys and special programs. In the past, we have sold them through feeders, through factory direct to individual stores, and through their distribution center, so we are well prepared to handle their changing buying patterns.
This chain (which averages 150,000 sq. ft. per store) is a logistical expert in transportation and distribution of products. Although some categories are either purchased through distributors or by their warehouse replenishment system, practically everything is bought centrally for store distribution. We offer strong support programs and enjoy substantial volume with this account.