Walgreens to host Supplier Diversity Summit
Walgreens is on the hunt for new and diverse vendors.
The Deerfield, Ill.-based company announced that its Supplier Diversity Summit is set to take place during ECRM’s Supplier Diversity Week from April 5 to 8.
The virtual event is targeted to provide diverse vendors the opportunity to connect with Walgreens’ merchandising team, share their products, receive feedback and, ultimately, possibly have their products chosen to be stocked on the retailer’s shelves in their local areas.
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During the summit, Walgreens will focus on highlighting and sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated and managed by individuals who are disadvantaged, disabled, military veterans, LGBTQ+, minorities or women, the company said.
“As a leading partner in reimagining local health care and well-being for all, ensuring that we create equitable opportunities for diverse suppliers to drive economic impact in the communities we serve is imperative,” Carlos W. Cubia, senior vice president and global chief diversity officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, said. “This year’s summit will connect us with diverse suppliers that will ensure we remain relevant to our customers and communities with products that meet their unique needs. We look forward to a successful event.”
Product categories include grocery, household, beauty, personal care, health and wellness, and general merchandise.
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All sourcing and product submissions will be made through RangeMe, and ECRM will qualify suppliers, create curated meeting schedules and facilitate face-to-face virtual meetings with Walgreens buyers.
Meetings will be conducted through ECRM’s virtual meeting platform, ECRM Connect, and the organization will be on hand to ensure all buyer and seller connections are executed seamlessly, the company said.