Meijer, Walgreens, and Wegmans were named the winners of ECRM’s first annual Merchant Team of the Year award for their excellence in sourcing, merchandising and supplier collaboration.

“In today’s constantly-evolving retail environment, perfect merchandising execution is a challenge for any retailer,” said Wayne Bennett, SVP of Retail for ECRM. “This award recognizes those who have demonstrated best-in-class performance around merchandising and supplier collaboration in their categories.”

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer won for the General Merchandise Category, Walgreens, Deerfield, Ill., for Health and Wellness, and Rochester, N.Y.-based Wegmans took the award for Center Store. Nominees were selected by ballot sent to suppliers for innovative merchandising programs that have been executed during the previous 12 months across HBC, consumables and general merchandise/hardlines categories.

The merchandising programs must have demonstrated excellence in the following areas of focus: New product launches, product sourcing, supplier relations, collaborative partnerships and joint business planning practices.

“We are very appreciative of the recognition by ECRM,” said Robert Tompkins, Group Vice President/General Merchandise Manager Health & Wellness, Walgreens. “Our team has been working hard to keep improving the experience for our shoppers, through driving innovation, strengthening our value proposition, and by tailoring our omni-channel offer. We believe that productive partnerships with our suppliers are fundamental to exceeding the expectations of our shoppers, our team in the field, and our shareholders. We believe that when we make ourselves accessible to suppliers, align on our mutual goals, and create differentiation, we then achieve sustainable success."