Through a new partnership, Vintners will now have access to new foodservice offerings and cutting-edge technology.
McLane Co. Inc. has announced that, through a new service agreement, Fremont, Calif.-based Vintners Distributers LLC and 126 of its c-store locations, including 15 of the chain’s Loop Neighborhood Stores, has officially switched from a competing supplier to McLane Co.
Through the new agreement, Vintners has secured access to industry-leading foodservice offerings and McLane’s suite of cutting-edge retail technologies that increase operational efficiencies.
“Foodservice is our number one priority and we’re determined to deliver fresh, quality food choices to our customers,” said Vintners Distributers chief operating officer Pervez Pir. “McLane has similar objectives [to grow fresh foods] and therefore we make a good team.”
Vintners is also focused on growing their current store base via acquisition and opening additional Loop Neighborhood Stores.
“McLane is a leader in the wholesale forum and we are excited to partner with them. They have a tenure team that is customer-centric and delivers on their promise. Additionally, McLane team members are flexible and react quickly to the ever-changing retail business, which is what we are looking for in the current landscape,” said Pir.
McLane’s innovative retail and smart handheld technology will enable Vintners c-stores to order, check in and return items efficiently, and to better manage reconciliation, allowing staff to spend more time on the sales floor with customers, improve accuracy of inventory and save on labor costs.
Vintners will work with the McLane Center for Category Innovation, formerly known as the McLane Lab Store, to conduct SKU rationalization in order to develop a product mix that focuses on the top 20% of its best-selling products.
Tim Hoime, senior manager, business development at McLane Co., said that Vintners has long been on McLane’s radar as a highly respected innovative retailer known to pioneer and embrace new technologies and cutting-edge programs.
“We sense real excitement with the Vintners management team and are pleased to welcome them to the McLane family,” said Hoime. “They are eager to drive sales with McLane technology and sell smarter utilizing McLane’s Center for Category Innovation. They are focused and employ sound business strategies, which makes for a very strong partnership.”
