Will Jordan runs two small markets in the Milo area, and for the past several years, being a member of Associated Grocers of Maine was a pretty good deal. "AG Maine offered its customers the Shurefine private label, and within that brand, you could literally get anything you wanted for your store," he says.
Jordan could stock Shurefine eggs, milk or bread, and in the process, benefit from having a strong, reliable brand on his shelves. "That helps drive your cost of goods down and allows the retailer to be more profitable and more competitive."
Jordan says he's confident he'll find another supplier, carrying an equally strong brand he can shelve. But he doubts he'll be able to do so fast enough to avoid short-term cost increases and a decline in his profits.
"At a time of year when you're headed into the summer and you're supposed to be growing your business and getting ready for the busy selling season, all of a sudden, you've got to rethink where you're getting this, where you're getting that, what's this going to cost me?" he says.
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