Retailerowned

Retailerowned refers to business arrangements in which a retailer controls more than the sale of goods, owning or directing stages of the supply chain such as manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, or real estate. The term denotes a degree of vertical integration or asset ownership that goes beyond traditional retailer models that rely on independent suppliers and contract manufacturers.

Forms include vertical integration through owned production facilities or contract manufacturing, and retailerowned distribution networks that manage warehousing and logistics. Some retailerowned structures are cooperative models in which owners are members or workers who govern the business. Private-label programs developed and controlled by the retailer can also fall under retailerowned when the retailer maintains direct oversight of product development and quality.

Benefits commonly cited are greater supply security, more control over pricing and product quality, and potential cost savings from scale. Drawbacks include higher capital requirements, increased managerial complexity, longer investment horizons, and possible regulatory scrutiny around market power and competition.

Related concepts include vertical integration, private label, cooperatives, and supply chain management.