FORT LEE, Va., 2016-Dec-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Defense Commissary Agency has selected MDV SpartanNash LLC to bring private label products to store shelves.
“Our customers have been asking for private label for a long time,” said Joseph H. Jeu, DeCA’s director and CEO, citing a DeCA patron survey in which 60 percent of respondents said they would like to see a commissary private label offering.
“They are smart, savvy shoppers who know that private label products are cost-effective alternatives to national brands. We’re excited to help them save more at our commissaries.”
Private label products are offered by a retailer under its own, in-house brand or under a brand developed by its suppliers. Retailers are able to do this by working directly with suppliers. Commissaries will add private label options to their assortments, while continuing to offer the name brands that patrons have always shopped.
DeCA conducted a rigorous selection process to identify the right supplier. “Throughout the process, our goal was to find a partner that could provide quality products to our patrons at a savings level that is equivalent to or better than what they find from private label products at commercial grocers,” Jeu said.
Over the next several months, DeCA will work closely with SpartanNash to decide on an initial assortment of products to introduce. The initial assortment should be available at all commissaries worldwide in May 2017 and will include about 400 items.
Private label items will continue to grow to about 1,000 items by the end of 2017. Over the next two years, DeCA will continue to add more private label products to the commissary stock assortment.
For more information on DeCA’s private label program, read the Transformation FAQ.
About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit and make no profit on the sale of merchandise. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. By shopping regularly in the commissary, patrons save thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil
Source: Defense Commissary Agency