In a move to update its vendor base, Walgreens announced that it will hold its annual Localization Summit on February 22 as a virtual showcase where diverse, local and regional businesses and entrepreneurs can share their retail-ready offerings with its merchants.
The virtual event, hosted by RangeMe and ECRM, connects potential vendors with the Walgreens Merchandising team to share their products and receive feedback with the ultimate goal of getting stocked on the company’s store shelves in their local areas.
The Localization Summit will cover grocery and household, apparel, beach, tourism and general merchandise, among other categories, the company indicated. The 2023 version builds on the success of the last localization summit, Walgreens stated, and it aims to engage local businesses from all 50 of the United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The event will allow the retailer to evaluate locally relevant product offerings for Walgreens customers and establish deeper collaboration with new suppliers for the future.
RangeMe will handle all sourcing and product submissions. Walgreens will review submissions and invite selected suppliers for face-to-face virtual meetings with buyers on ECRM Connect. There, chosen suppliers will have the chance to introduce new and innovative products.
“To be a trusted health and well-being destination, we work hard to remain relevant for customers in each of our communities and curate a selection of products and services that meet their unique needs,” said Luke Rauch, Walgreens chief merchandising officer and senior vp, in announcing the event. “When our shelves reflect the communities we serve, we can better live out our purpose of more joyful lives through better health.”
