Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
Orgill’s mission is clear—to help customers be successful. Orgill’s purchasing team plays a vital role in this mission, ensuring the company’s retailers have access to high-quality products at competitive prices by leveraging strategic partnerships, innovative assortments and a customer-first approach.
Securing Quality and Competitive Pricing
Orgill’s merchandising team works with a diverse range of vendors to provide their independent retailers with top-tier products. The team also takes a strategic approach by sourcing products from both domestic and international sources. Each manufacturer is carefully vetted to meet Orgill’s rigorous quality standards, ensuring a wide selection of products that cater to the unique needs of various markets and positions independent retailers to compete effectively against larger national chains.
“By fostering strong, long-term relationships with suppliers, the team is able to negotiate aggressive deals, securing bulk discounts and compelling pricing,” says Heath Kennedy, Orgill’s director of hardlines merchandise. “These savings are passed on to retailers, allowing them to offer exceptional products at competitive prices.”
To help retailers further differentiate themselves, Orgill offers exclusive private-label products. Key brands like Prosource, Boston Harbor, Landscaper Select, Vulcan and Simple Spaces allow customers differentiation and profit opportunities, Kennedy says.
Staying Ahead with Innovation
Orgill’s purchasing team also stays ahead of market trends, which is essential for success in a competitive industry.
“By monitoring industry reports, gathering customer feedback and staying informed about competitor activity, the team identifies emerging opportunities and ensures that retailers have access to cutting-edge, in-demand products” says Alan Shore, Orgill’s director of seasonal merchandise.
Collaboration with vendors is a key element of this strategy, Shore says. The team maintains open communication with suppliers to evaluate product performance, discuss emerging trends and refine offerings. Attending industry trade shows and events further enhances this effort, enabling the team to introduce the latest innovations to retailers quickly.
“The replenishment team plays a critical role in this process, ensuring the supply chain remains flexible and responsive to new trends,” says Lisa Pirtle, Orgill’s vice president of replenishment and vendor support. “By streamlining logistics and inventory management, Orgill ensures that popular, trending products are available when retailers need them.”
Adapting to Supply Chain Challenges
Global supply chain disruptions have presented challenges across the industry, but Orgill’s purchasing team has adapted to ensure consistent product availability by making strategic investments in inventory and increasing safety stock levels.
In addition, partnerships with the organization’s dedicated procurement software provider have optimized Orgill’s replenishment system, ensuring high performance and reliable product availability, Kennedy says. These measures have enabled independent retailers to maintain a steady supply of products, even in the face of global uncertainties.
Exclusive Partnerships for Retailer Success
Exclusive vendor partnerships are another way Orgill helps independent retailers stand out in the marketplace, Pirtle says. These collaborations provide retailers with unique product offerings unavailable through competitors, providing them with a competitive edge. Exclusive relationships also create opportunities for tailored solutions, including customized promotions and pricing models designed to meet the specific needs of local markets.
Retailers benefit from priority support and resources, such as training, promotional materials and marketing opportunities. These tools enhance their ability to connect with customers, drive sales and increase store traffic.
Empowering Retailers Through Collaboration
Orgill’s purchasing team understands that every retailer faces unique challenges. By partnering closely with vendors, the team develops customized solutions and promotional opportunities tailored to individual markets. Programs like Orgill’s Smart Start and Focused Assortment Planograms are instrumental in this effort, offering regionalized and store-specific product assortments that optimize space and meet local demand.
