Over the years, some supermarket retailers have tested the waters in peripheral categories like cosmetics, toys and housewares--not true leased departments, but giving limited space to
rack jobbers. The term is actually in the dictionary but for those unfamiliar with this virtually obsolete cottage industry-- Google it.
Back in the '70s and early '80s a lot of the merchandise at the other retail chains was handled by
rack jobbers and distributors.
Consolidation at all levels, from sales and marketing agents and
rack jobbers to wholesalers and retailers, has left a streamlined pipeline in its wake.
The chain, which maintains extensive dealings with
rack jobbers and direct-to-store merchandisers, traditionally used its warehouses primarily for promotional goods.
Today,
rack jobbers like Wal-Mart and Kmart refuse to sell albums with warning stickers or other music thought dubious.
In a letter circulated to
rack jobbers and CD-ROM publishers, the developers insisted they now want written contracts and "royalties for every disk sold." The letter warns that "rack vendors may be violating U.S.
The chain, which still deals extensively with
rack jobbers and direct-to-store merchandisers, has historically used its warehouses primarily for promotional goods.
At Schmitt-sponsored stores, these tapes are usually supplied by the shared-revenue
rack jobbers that set up and manage video rental departments.
While most drug chains use
rack jobbers, Happy Harry's jewelry and gift buyer Pat Smith puts in the extra work needed to buy directly from manufacturers.
"That's why its a good idea to go with
rack jobbers,' explains Schiller.
