Retailers of all sizes think in terms of dollars per square foot — how to maximize sales and margin in the least amount of floor space.

This metric is even more meaningful in the convenience channel, where many stores are especially limited on space. Tillamook Country Smoker has managed to achieve tremendous success in this environment by aligning with the retailer mindset.

“Platform Displays has been an incredible thought partner for our merchandising strategy in the convenience space. They are at the top of my virtual rolodex of people that are most helpful to me.”

Over the course of our 25-year partnership, we’ve worked with Tillamook Country Smoker to produce simple, cost-effective floor displays that delight convenience retailers by capturing impulse purchases and generating a healthy margin. The modular steel and plastic components work in a variety of arrangements to fit the small to ultra-compact footprint, and they allow for affordable shipping, and intuitive, tool-free setup by store associates.

Adapting to challenges

During 2021, the convenience channel experienced a sharp decline as fewer consumers were on the road. Tillamook Country Smoker’s bulk, unwrapped jerky and sticks merchandised in self-serve trays with lids and tongs were negatively impacted as a result. Retailer and consumer expectations about eating unwrapped food had naturally shifted in this new era, so they needed to devise a safe solution to meet new needs.

Their operations quickly shifted to individually wrapped bulk jerky and sticks, and our team at Platform reconfigured their displays to accommodate the packaged product. The solution was simple, and adapting swiftly made all the difference to meet their retailers’ needs and help their bulk business bounce back.

“Retailers were ecstatic. We were the first to jump on this, and we’ve seen this part of the business start to turn around. Platform has a willingness to move quick when time is tight. They think through the strategy instead of just executing, and there’s no learning curve because they’ve been embedded in our business for so long.”

Collaborating to create efficiency

Tillamook Country Smoker’s business is complex, with multiple production facilities and inventory locations. Our partnership often embodies a less-is-more philosophy as we look for ways to streamline inventory management and focus on what works.

For example, Tillamook Country Smoker now supplies the same sets of display components to a broader group of their retailers, instead of tracking inventory for individual pieces and shipping different combinations depending on the store. The retailer still has the flexibility to configure the display for their environment, while Tillamook Country Smoker has improved efficiency in both their purchasing and distribution. Simple assembly videos are just one more example of our creative additions to their retail strategy.

“For me, it comes down to the relationship and incredible customer service. We’ve never asked Platform a question that we didn’t get a great answer for quickly. They understand our business and provide fast, thoughtful service.”