"All shelf space now occupied by six other brands [including Philips] will be converted to Philips," explains Steve Goldmacher, the Philips' director of corporate communications.
Philips will begin resetting Home Depot's 1,400 stores this summer, Mr. Goldmacher says. The lighting company has also committed to training store personnel. Also, it will "[assist] the retailer as it considers international opportunities," according to a prepared statement.
Moderator Comment: Do retailers that do not sign exclusive supplier arrangements have a competitive advantage over those that do?
Brand loyalty (however slight) in most product categories requires more than one supplier. Beyond that, consumers want to be able to choose for themselves. Single brand relationships send a message that is contrary to the multiple options that U.S. consumers' demand. [George Anderson - Moderator]