Big Ghanges At True Value

Cotter & Co. has instituted sweeping changes that introduce minimum dealer purchases and eliminate hundreds of members.

Cotter is trimming from its roster True Value stores which purchased less than $30,000 in 1994, a move expected to affect less than SVo of its more than 6,000 members. The minimum annual purchase requirement will be $50,000 for 1995.

Previously no minimum purchase was required, so members could shop around. "The tendency of some retailers to pick and choose manufacturers and distributors detracts significantly from the overall buying power

"Gltlote" Yof.u. MOnth

"seventy percent of all animal candidates for listing (in the Endangered Species Act) are snails, spiders, insects and other invertebrates."

- Robert Gordon , Executive Director National Wilderne s s Instilute

and efficiency of the cooperative," said v.p. and c.o.o. Steve Porter. "Consequently, the loyal members end up subsidizing those who don't participate fully."

Other changes will occur in minimum monthly orders, monthly assessments and distribution schedules.

At the annual winter lumber market Jan. 15-18 in San Antonio, Tx., pres. Dan Cotter encouraged LBM (lumber & building materials) members to give Cotter all their business in the next six months. "This is a coop, folks. It's a two-way street," he said. "Let us do the buying and you concentrate on reselling and merchandising." Cotter's LBM sales rose l2.5Vo last year to $308 million.

A new retail co-op format, the "Strategy 2l Program," should be unveiled at the spring market to replace the Build America prototype.

Additionally, Cotter is abandoning the variety business, cutting loose over 800 V&S Variety stores to dedicate itself strictly to hardware and building materials. Ben Franklin Retail Stores will purchase Cotter's $8.6 million variety merchandise inventory, and most V&S stores are being invited to sign on with Ben Franklin.

TRUE VALUE members repre- .-J\ senting 270 store locations toured 210 exhibits during Cotter

& Co.'s Jan. 15-18 winter lumber market al the San Antonio, Tx., Convention Center. (1) LBM div. mgr. Lary Wendling, Glen Jenkins, Mike Stich. (2) Lamar Sheilds, Linda Priddy, Bill Healy. (3) Jim Quinn, Sara Elills-Thwing, David Sackett. (4) Dave Rupp, Tim Kerrison. (5) Pat Shope, Traci Hyder. (6)Cindy & Dan Palmer, Sam Stone. (4 Alexandra Ross, Dan l$eikle, Jim Kreslensen, Deb Wilgenbusch. (8) Julie & Rolly Skitton. (9)Vic Anderson, Susan Vihlein, Chris Johnston. (10) Dick Miner, Don Jacobson. (11) Don Spiers, Mike Asbury, Vicky Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald. (12) Jim & Chris Snipe. (13) Don & Nancy Buescher, Elaine & Mike Vruty. (14)Jim Navane, Gng Danielson. (15) Craig Heaton, Roger Wad. (16) Glynn Piltman, Frank Klasnick, Dan Haston. (17) Bill Ramey, Tom Bailey, Jack Emmert. (18) Leon Nutl, Lloyd Wtighl, Jon Andenon. 09) Chuck l-lotre, Duncan DiJ<ey, Sam Sprague. (20) Joe & Wlliam Alexander, Alan & Angie Damell. (21) David, Maty Jarc & Ely Lindquist. (22) Mike Jacobs, E. J. Ouellette. (?3) Dave Goodwin, Ray Dadis, Rolly Skifton. (2f) Ann Simmons, Bret DGon. (25) Harvey Parter, Jim Krestensen, David Woods. (26) John Chur$ill, John Welnidt, Rick Lorenzen. (27) Roberta Albert, Sam Bissing. (28) Kenneth Slevens, John Brownfield. (29) Rick Wilson, Derell Hudgeons, Chnck Gregory, Frank Kams. ($) Dwayne Jones, Preston Boyd, K.G. Melde. (31) Randy Bonanni, Lamar Sheilds, George Judd, Scott Jennings, Alex Tis, Nelda Edwards.

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