Mid-Sized Retailers Battle Big-Boxes for Market Share, Purchasing Power

PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Feb 28, 2013) - Mid-sized retailers' and grocers' profit margins continue to shrink under increased pressure and competition from big-box retailers, according to a new report by Intesource, the e-sourcing company.

 In 2000, grocery stores accounted for two-thirds of U.S. grocery purchases. Today, they barely claim half of the North American market share. The competition comes from large, global retailers that leverage immense purchasing power to dictate market terms, and make it difficult for smaller retailers to compete on price and supply.

A new market report from Intesource -- "Battling with the Big-Boxes: Three Strategies for Mid-Sized Retailers to Stay Competitive and Improve Profits" -- will help mid-sized retailers fight back. Available now on Intesource.com, the report outlines sourcing strategies to unlock new savings, improve margins, and drive sales, including:

• Exploring new, innovative sources of supply that differentiate retail brands and introduce customers to new and exciting products.
• Challenging suppliers to provide more value and better contractual terms -- even when you are satisfied with current supplier relationships.
• Collaborating, aggregating, and being creative to build stronger supplier partnerships that drive savings and reduce risk.

"Lacking the purchasing power of a Wal-Mart or Target, smaller retailers are exposed to volatile prices, rising costs and shrinking consumer incomes," said Brian Miller, VP of Services at Intesource. "To stay competitive in this market, retailers must lean on their supply chains for growth and cost-saving opportunities."

For more information, download the full report on www.Intesource.com.

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About Intesource

Companies are caught between two opposing goals: drive cost savings or invest in innovation. Both require people, technology, and expertise in a time when resources -- and the skills and time required to source effectively -- are scarce.

Intesource eliminates operational headaches from the sourcing equation by offering the industry's only enterprise wide, unlimited, full-service e-sourcing package. Intesource's turnkey approach to e-sourcing consistently drives double-digit savings without requiring additional staff or process overhauls -- an approach that saves valuable time and frees up staff to focus on strategic initiatives.

With a history of success in the most challenging sourcing climates, and expertise in both direct and indirect categories, Intesource ensures that buyers are getting the best value every single time. Learn more at www.Intesource.com and follow us on Twitter at @Intesource.