CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Lil' Drug Store Products Inc. (LDSP), a leading supplier of consumer products to the convenience retail channel, has announced that Universal Sales & Marketing, Kalamazoo, Mich., as the 2012 Broker of the Year.
LDSP is recognizing Universal Sales & Marketing for its consistent ability to increase sales and expand distribution of LDSP's over-the-counter drugs and personal care, general merchandise and automotive items in the convenience channel.
"Universal Sales & Marketing's performance in the convenience marketplace has consistently exceeded our expectations, and 2012 was no exception," said Paul Rossberger, LDSP's vice president of sales and marketing. "We value the talent and dedication of the Universal team, which achieved double-digit sales volume growth for LDSP's products two years in a row and significantly expanded distribution of some of our top consumer products to thousands of convenience locations throughout the Midwest."
Rossberger credited the Universal Sales & Marketing staff for providing the kind of followup and behind-the-scenes support that cultivates long-term relationships with LDSP's retail partners. In fact, last year was a standout year as Universal Sales & Marketing significantly increased distribution of two new LDSP's products, EZ OTC and EZ Bins, which offer c-stores an opportunity to merchandise a variety of travel-sized health and beauty care (HBC) items within a limited amount of space.
According to Rossberger, in 2012 the Universal Sales & Marketing sales team increased product placement in more than 8,000 new stores, including major convenience retailers like Meijer Gas and PDQ Stores.
"By working with a valued network of high performance brokers such as Universal Sales & Marketing, LDSP is able to provide retailers innovative retailing solutions and a diverse product portfolio," Rossberger says. "It's a team effort for certain."
Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Lil' Drug Store Products offers a variety of premium brands through its three divisions: Convenience Retailing, Consumer Products and International. Convenience Retailing lines include over-the-counter (OTC) drug products, personal care items, general merchandise, automotive accessories and exclusive brands including Carmex, Ricola and Rayovac.
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