noun. any member of a voluntary group of independent retailers, often using a common name or symbol, formed to obtain better prices from wholesalers or manufacturers in competition with supermarket chains. Also called: voluntary retailer.

What are corporate chains?

In marketing: Corporate chains. … lines of merchandise are considered corporate chain stores. Corporate chain stores appear to be strongest in the food, drug, shoe, variety, and clothing industries. Managed chain stores have a number of advantages over independently managed stores.

What is a wholesaler sponsored voluntary chain?

Wholesaler-sponsored voluntary chains. involve a wholesaler that develops a contractual relationship with small, independent retailers to standardize and coordinate buying practices, merchandising programs, and inventory management efforts.

How would a retailer benefit by being a member of a voluntary chain?

Advantages: The retailers place orders with wholesalers within the group and can get discounts. Advertising expenses are reduced as the whole group is nationally advertised. The retailer can get loans from the group for renovation and decoration.

Who is an independent retailer?

An independent retailer is one who builds their business without help from an established brand. If you start your own line of jewelry and register as a business in your state, you’re considered an independent.

Is franchise better than corporate?

Growth through franchising is nearly always more cost-effective and requires less time and energy than adding corporate locations.

What is the definition of a voluntary chain?

Definition of voluntary chain : a voluntary association of independent retailers in a given line of business (as groceries or drugs) for collective action in buying, advertising, and other phases of management

Who are the leading voluntary chains in the world?

The 80’s saw a second major wave of new voluntary chains such as The Leading Hotels of the World, World Hotels, Logis, Inter-Hotel, Relais du Silence and Relais & Ch‰teaux.

How does bidding work in a voluntary chain?

A bidding solution is identified by a voluntary chain as an added-value to boost direct sales and bring a new booking experience to the guests. The voluntary chain could decide to integrate it with its brand website as a central bidding platform, to attract guests directly.

Which is better, a hotel chain or a voluntary chain?

Voluntary chains (VC) also provide hotel owners with distribution and marketing services; however, due to the smaller size and reach of voluntary chains, the impact on member hotels’ occupancy (Occ) could be lower than the effect of the corporate soft brand chains.