|
<<Brokers Sell into non-grocery channels
>>
|
| We all know that brokers provide an excellent level of service in the supermarket segment and have a strong presence in Foodservice. What many people don't know is that food brokers can provide access to other channels of retail outlets, some of which are providing growth opportunities for manufacturers. One such broker is Butler's Sales Brokers located in the Sydney suburb of Kirrawee. Gary Butler set up his business in 1984 and has a strong presence in supermarkets. However, Butler's Sales also provides representation in the pharmacy, hardware, variety and garden center markets. Pharmacy coverage was added to the business in 1987 and a dedicated team of Pharmacy representatives cover stores, including country stores which are visited on a six-week cycle. Hardware coverage came on board in 1990 and here their client list includes Garden King fertilizers (also represented by Butler's in supermarkets), Sarlon shade cloth, John Deere's Homelite range and Pricotech barbecues. Butler's Sales provides full coverage at hardware and variety chain head-office level, calling on Bunnings and BBC / Hardwarehouse and in addition Mitre 10, Danks; and Big W. A dedicated Queensland sales office manages the Queensland accounts and Butler's Sales also provides full southern States representation through an associated business partner. Principal Gary Butler told AFBD that hardware and garden centres is a growing percentage of turnover. "We call on over 400 hardware stores, 150 garden centers, and 100 variety stores (Big W and Kmart) on a regular basis and employ trained horticulturalists" said Mr Butler. |