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Walgreens Localization Summit Encourages Diverse Suppliers

Specialty Food Association

Walgreens announced that it will hold its annual Localization Summit, a virtual showcase to connect diverse, local, and regional businesses with Walgreens merchants, on February 22, 2023.

“To be a trusted health and well-being destination, we work hard to remain relevant for customers in each of our communities and curate a selection of products and services that meet their unique needs,” said Luke Rauch, Walgreens chief merchandising officer, and SVP, in a statement. “When our shelves reflect the communities we serve, we can better live out our purpose of more joyful lives through better health.”

The virtual event will include products across categories, including grocery, household, and general merchandise. It will be hosted by RangeMe and ECRM and provides suppliers the opportunity to share their products and receive feedback, with the ultimate goal of being stocked on Walgreens shelves in their areas.

Building on the success of last year’s localization summit, Walgreens aims to bring in local businesses from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, to evaluate opportunities to build more locally relevant product offerings.

All sourcing and product submissions will be made through RangeMe. Walgreens will review submissions and will invite selected suppliers for face-to-face virtual meetings with buyers on ECRM’s virtual meeting platform, ECRM Connect, where chosen suppliers can introduce new and innovative products into the marketplace.

Related: Southeastern Grocers to Host Private Label Forum; Meijer Sets Opening Date for New Concept Stores

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