Amazon Online Wholesale Store

From Engadget: An online Amazon pantry for wholesale.  See also the comments.  " ... While Amazon has no shortage of rivals, it's now reportedly gearing up to take on big players in the warehouse store business, like Costco. According to USA Today's anonymous sources, Amazon is prepping the launch of an online service called Pantry that'll initially carry around 2,000 common grocery items to be sold at low cost.  ...  " 

GS1 Urges Case Data Accuracy

Sometimes the very obvious need to get some little things correct can make all the difference.  Here is just one simple example from GS1.  Get your data right first.  " ... A group of food retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers is calling for CPG manufacturers to “measure, validate and communicate” weights and dimensions of product cases before they are shipped to retailers. ... "

Costco vs Amazon in Grocery

In BusinessWeek:    " ... Amazon is expanding in the grocery business, which could create a headache for CEO Jeff Bezos' onetime mentor, Costco Wholesale CEO Jim Sinegal. Executives at Costco say they aren't overly worried but admit they'll be watching Amazon's efforts. "We view Amazon as one of our primary competitors in almost every category," said Paul Latham, Costco's vice president for membership, marketing and services. "We all believe we are going to have to adapt in some form." ... " 

GMDC

Brought to my attention:  GMDC.org   " ... GMDC is the premier non-profit global trade association dedicated to serving Health Beauty Wellness and General Merchandise retailers, wholesalers and suppliers. GMDC promotes critical connectivity to grow and expand member companies by uniting members through business building events and opportunities and enriching their thinking through education and training; consumer and business insights; and information resources....  "

Real Time Shopper Feedback

In Progressive Grocer:  How BJ's is using a real-time shopper feedback system.  " ... BJ's Wholesale Club is using a survey platform from On The Spot Systems that provides real-time feedback from members who use mobile devices to take surveys about private-label products. "Survey On The Spot's real-time, actionable feedback model will allow BJ's to know what its customers are thinking at that most critical moment, while they are actively consuming the products -- allowing the company to make immediate decisions to build stronger relationships with its members," said Ken Kimmel, president of On The Spot ... "

Power Retailers

In Progressive Retailer.  A near time view of who the power retailers of the future.  Those that operate in mutliple channels.  " ... Manufacturers expect Wal-Mart Stores, Target, Kroger and Costco Wholesale to be the top "power retailers" during the next 15 years, according to Kantar Retail's 2012 U.S. PoweRanking report. Publix Super Markets and ALDI also are in the top 10. The report reflects manufacturers' view that multichannel and discount stores have fared well. ... "