Better Availability
Responsive ordering and local delivery can help protect in-stock performance where empty shelves cost real sales.
For retail partners
A strong and vibrant food marketplace depends on more than one path to the shelf.
We believe national and local distribution each have an important role to play.
National distribution brings scale, efficiency, and access to thousands of products. Local distribution offers something different: greater access to regional producers, emerging brands, and distinctive products that have not become part of the national assortment.
For retailers, that means more opportunities for discovery, greater variety, and an assortment that reflects their own customers and communities—not just what is available everywhere else.
01
Keep discovery in the mix.
We believe discovery is part of what gives a great store its character.
Some of the most interesting products are not the ones found everywhere. Regional producers, emerging brands, and independent food makers give buyers opportunities to bring something different to the shelf—and give customers a reason to keep discovering.
Your distribution mix can be as intentional as your product mix.
Whitestone helps Southern California retailers bring in products that reflect the communities they serve, introduce emerging brands before they are available everywhere, and shape the unique character of their stores.
02
Better service where it matters.
Some products benefit from a little more local attention, even when they are also available through larger distribution networks.
Better Shelf Life
For refrigerated and short-shelf-life products, a local service model can preserve valuable selling days.
Store-Level Attention
DSD service gives Whitestone visibility into what is happening at store level, not just what left the warehouse.
03
Add products, not vendors.
When your team finds a local or emerging brand you want on your shelves, you do not always need another direct vendor relationship to manage.
Send them to Whitestone. We can evaluate appropriate products, onboard quickly, and bring the brand into a distribution relationship your team already knows.
Found a local brand you want to carry? Send them our way.