Suppliers are key partners in innovation team at Trader Joe's

摘要

Innovation was the key to turning Trader Joe's into what Forbes magazine called one of the hottest retailers in the marketplace, according to Doug Rauch, former president of the grocery chain. He told the audience at the National Chicken Council's Annual Conference in Washington that innovation is the implementation of creative ideas in ways that bring unique benefits."Innovation isn't just an event," Rauch said. "Innovation occurs as the result of a team working together. Suppliers were core stakeholders in the innovation team at TraderJoe's." He explained that many of the ideas for new products at Trader Joe's came from manufacturers. These innovative new products can become what he called "destination products," and these have become an important part of Trader Joe's brand because they are distinctive and distinguished the retailer from its competitors.