At Retailbound, our clients have the unique advantage of partnering with more than 200+ manufacturer representative groups and 40+ distributors across North America. This month, we sat down with Todd Smits, Director of Business Development & Merchandising at Englewood Marketing Group (EMG), to learn more about their distribution model, what they look for in brand partners, and how today’s retail landscape is evolving.
1. Who Is Englewood Marketing Group (EMG)? What Is Your Role?
Englewood Marketing Group is a “Logistics Plus” company with nearly 90 years of experience helping brands bring products to market. EMG specializes in building customized sales and logistics solutions based on each partner’s go-to-market strategy.
The company offers:
- Full 3PL services
- A distribution model, or a hybrid combination
- Shipping through three Amazon Prime–certified facilities
- Expertise in fulfilling orders for major retailers and meeting strict dropship standards for leading e-commerce platforms
Todd’s role at EMG has two key components:
Director of New Business Development
Todd identifies and onboards new brand partners, developing solutions that best support their U.S. and North American market strategies.
Director of Merchandising
He oversees purchasing, merchandising, and demand planning for all client partners—optimizing assortments, developing purchasing plans, and supporting distribution and sales efforts with the right marketing materials.
2. What Does EMG Look for in Potential Product Suppliers? What Are the Red Flags?
When reviewing new product suppliers, EMG focuses on several important criteria:
Key Indicators of a Strong Supplier
- Unique and innovative product (not a “me-too” item and not duplicative of existing lines)
- A well-defined marketing plan to drive sales
- A solid product pipeline that supports long-term growth
- Strong margin and pricing structure
- A clear understanding of where EMG fits within the brand’s overall supply chain
(e.g., Are they one of several distributors? Will EMG manage only a small account base?)
Red Flags That May Cause EMG to Decline a Supplier
- Overlap with products they currently distribute
- Lack of differentiation or innovation
- No supporting marketing strategy
- Weak long-term product roadmap
3. How Has COVID-19 Changed Retail? What Advice Do You Have for Product Startups Entering the Market?
Todd believes the shifts seen during COVID-19 will continue well into the future:
- Online shopping will remain dominant, while in-store traffic—especially in the department store channel—may not rebound to previous levels.
- Access to retail buyers is more challenging than ever. Many buyers work remotely and are prioritizing meetings with existing vendors, making it difficult for emerging brands to get noticed.
Advice for Product Startups
Todd recommends partnering with a channel marketing and sales agency like Retailbound and/or a trusted distribution partner. These partners already have established retail connections and can help new brands secure meetings, build credibility, and accelerate sell-in and sell-through.
4. Why EMG Enjoys Working with Retailbound
According to Todd, Retailbound stands out because of its wide range of services and ability to act as a one-stop resource for brands looking to get retail-ready.
He highlights:
- Retailbound’s ability to help manufacturers accelerate retail efforts they couldn’t achieve alone
- A professional and talented team that complements EMG’s services
- Strong synergy between the organizations, making Retailbound a true long-term partner
Learn More
For more information about EMG, or to discuss distribution and logistics solutions, contact:
📧 Todd Smits – tsmits@emg-usa.com
To learn how Retailbound can help your brand become retail-ready and drive sell-through with North American retailers, contact:
📧 Yohan Jacob – yjacob@retailbound.com
