BrandSource Forges Alliance with Ingram Micro on Inventory

Buying group BrandSource, which includes the Home Entertainment Source (HES) division, has announced plans to outsource its Expert Warehouse operations and inventory to a new location that will increase efficiencies and allow for greater expansion in new and existing categories.

To make this all possible, BrandSource has forged a strategic alliance with Ingram Micro Inc. As part of the new U.S. relationship, Ingram Micro will manage all operational aspects of business generated by Expert Warehouse. Aligning its operations and moving its inventory to Ingram Micro offers Expert Warehouse greater space, efficiency, and the flexibility to grow into new lines. Ingram Micro is the parent company of AVAD and DBL Distributing.

Expert Warehouse is a member-owned program that gives BrandSource/HES members the benefits of factory direct purchasing without prohibitive annual commitments or freight policies. Through the program, members receive perks that include pricing, display programs, rebate incentives and price protection. At one time, Expert Warehouse had three locations, in Reno, Nev., Atlanta, Ga., and the Meadowlands area of New Jersey.

“This new alliance with Ingram Micro allows us to greatly improve the business value, buying power and services we provide to our members and increase their ability to compete in the marketplace,” says Bob Lawrence, BrandSource CEO. “Together with Ingram Micro we will pioneer a new era of efficiency and value for the appliance and CE industries and bring to market a broader portfolio of brand names.”