The Item Group Talk to us

Get your brand into Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s.

The Item Group offers the best Costco broker you can hire, the deepest sales data you can receive, and the fairest contract terms you can find.

We've managed Club brokers. We've worked for Club brokers. We know what works and what sucks.

Founded by entrepreneurs at heart, industry stalwarts and data lovers, The Item Group wants to work with the best established and emerging CPG brands.

In return, we give you our best work and, ultimately, profitable success at Costco, across grocery, snacks, refrigerated, frozen, deli, sundries and OTC.

What we handle

In the club channel, you aren't managing wide sales pipelines; you are managing high-stakes, multi-million-dollar regional and national programs. Your broker needs to handle complex packaging specifications, high-volume pallet logistics, localized “treasure hunt” rotations and rigorous regional compliance.

Item research

We'll fully vet your item through research, competitive analysis and consumer trends.

Sales strategy

We craft sales strategies that match what you have to offer Club with what Club wants from you, down to pack size and price point.

Direct selling

Our inside knowledge and our ability to navigate Costco are what make us successful. We sell so we all win.

Buyer presentations

We build the item story buyers ask for: pack, price per unit, margin, and why members will pick it up.

Item setup

Vendor paperwork, item submissions, and compliance details handled before they turn into delays.

Roadshows and demos

Planning and staffing for in-club events that turn a test into a repeat order.

Promotions

Instant savings and promo calendars timed to your production, so a big event doesn't leave you short.

Sales data

The deepest sales data you can get: weekly velocity by region against category benchmarks, with a clear read on what to do next.

From pitch to pallet

Most club items start as a regional test. Here's how we get you there and what happens after.

  1. Fit check

    We look at your item, pack and costs and tell you honestly whether club is the right move now.

  2. Build the case

    Pricing, pack-out, samples and a one-page story the buyer can take into their own meetings.

  3. Buyer meeting

    We bring you to the buyers who own your category, and we're in the room with you.

  4. Regional test

    Launch, roadshows and weekly tracking so the test reads clearly, good or bad.

  5. Scale

    More regions, more clubs, and the promo plan that keeps velocity where buyers want it.

Where we sell

Three warehouse clubs, three different ways of buying. We know the buyers, the calendars and what a healthy item looks like in each.

Costco

Regional and national programs, roadshows, and the member value Costco buyers screen every item for.

Sam's Club

Item tests, in-club demos, and promotions coordinated across a large national footprint.

BJ's

A strong East Coast base with its own assortment, pricing and promotional rhythm.

Built by a club channel sales leader

The Item Group was founded by Dean Wright, a sales director with 30 years in CPG, selling into Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's and Walmart.

He has sat across the table from club buyers, launched items, and grown velocity after launch. The Item Group gives growing brands that same experience without the cost of building a club team in-house.

Placements secured in

  • Grocery
  • Snacks
  • Refrigerated
  • Frozen
  • Deli
  • Sundries
  • OTC
  • Costco
  • BJ's
  • Sam's
  • International

Our Rate Structure

Fair terms start with paying for what you actually need. Your rate depends on two things: your current Club distribution and how many categories you sell in.

Select a tile that best describes where your current Club distribution and category breadth are today.

Club distributionOne categoryTwo to threeFour or more
NoneNot yet sold in Club
Retainer
Retainer
Retainer
RoadshowsSelling through in-club roadshows
Retainer
Retainer
Retainer
Periodic rotationsRotating in and out of clubs
Standard Commission %
Standard Commission %
Standard Commission %
EverydayEveryday placement in clubs
Low Commission %
Lower Commission %
Lowest Commission %

Every brand is different. Tell us about yours and we'll confirm your rate before you sign anything.

Are you ready for Club?

Seven questions, about two minutes. Answer honestly and you'll see where you stand and what to work on before you pitch.

  1. Where do you sell today?
  2. Do you have a club-sized pack?
  3. Could you fill a large order on short notice?
  4. Is your facility certified to a GFSI-recognized standard, such as SQF or BRCGS?
  5. Can you price for strong member value and still keep your margin?
  6. Do you have a budget for demos, roadshows and instant savings?
  7. Do you know your weekly sales velocity?

Is your brand ready for club?

Tell us a little about your item. We'll reply within two business days with an honest take on fit and next steps.

Prefer email? hello@theitemgroup.com

Sending opens your email app with your details filled in.

Are you a fit for us?

Three questions about how Club really works. The brands we do our best work with go in with clear eyes.

  1. What is the average time it takes to get an item into a club rotation from when it's first presented to a buyer?
  2. What is the chance of getting an item into everyday placement in more than 200 club locations?
  3. What is the biggest reason an item doesn't succeed?