Cracking the Club Store Code: Insider Tips for Food Industry Success

Club stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale represent a unique and lucrative opportunity for food brands. In my video “Tips on How to Sell to Club Stores,” I share insights gleaned from over 35 years in the food industry, including activating 22 vendors into successful club store suppliers. Here are some key takeaways:

  1. Understand the Club Store Mindset Club stores operate differently from traditional retailers. Learn how their focus on bulk purchases, limited SKUs, and member satisfaction drives decision-making.
  2. Package for Success In club stores, your packaging is your silent salesperson. Discover how to design packaging that not only stands out on pallets but also communicates value to members.
  3. Meet Performance Expectations Club stores have specific performance metrics. Find out what buyers look for and how to ensure your product meets or exceeds these benchmarks.
  4. Master Product Rotation With limited floor space, club stores need products that move quickly. Learn strategies to improve your product’s turn rate and stay on the shelves.
  5. Leverage Legacy Brand Strategies Established brands can find new life in club stores. Explore how bundling and supersizing can create attractive offerings for club store members.
  6. Design for Stock-Up Trips Club store members often shop with a “stock up” mentality. Discover how to position your product as a must-have pantry staple.
  7. Navigate Buyer Departments Each department in a club store has its own hurdle rates and expectations. Learn how to tailor your approach to different buyer departments.

Remember, success in club stores isn’t just about getting your product on the shelf—it’s about understanding and leveraging the unique dynamics of this retail channel.

For more in-depth insights on selling to club stores, watch the full video here: Tips on How to Sell to Club Stores

Ready to transform your food product into a club store success story? Visit www.timforrestmarkets.com to book a consultation and let’s strategize your path to club store triumph.

Who is Tim“Hi I’m Tim, and I love the food business! I’ve been helping large and small companies and entrepreneurs achieve success for decades. My consulting projects have contributed to major successes for my clients, including many with 100%+ year-over-year growth rates. I enjoy sharing my expertise, and hope you find these blog posts enlightening. Please reach out to me with any questions or comments.”

Best Choice
Million Dollar
Thinking Tactics for a Bigger and Better Food Company
Everyone Got A Recipe Book
Get Your Copy Badge

Share This Story

Leave A Comment

Tim Forrest

Let’s Talk

If you would like to discuss our proven food industry solutions, speaking opportunities or global outreach efforts in more detail, let’s schedule a call right now.

Book a Call

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you would like to join our mailing list or send a personal note, please fill out the form below:

Retail Marketing Glossary Terms
Understand retail terminology so you can speak confidently with any buyer. (Success Series Book 3)
Orders processed via
Walmart Glossary and Terminology
Over 1,500 terms and 100 pages of Walmart Specific Marketing and Analytic’s Terminology
Orders processed via
Search this site

What We Do

Welcome to Tim Forrest ConsultingWe help food entrepreneurs and established companies get their products onto shelves and into the hands of consumers. Through personalized collaboration, you’ll learn to succeed using a proven path of marketing, sales, merchandising, distribution and business growth strategies. We’ve generated over $1 billion in revenue and company valuations for our clients. Let us put our expertise to work for you.