Page 31 - HW FEB 2021

Tough times
call for experts
The guiding philosophy of inventory management company VRM was put into practice last year in the most fundamental ways: “putting our team first, every time, and our customers will get the best service.”
VRM is the leading, most experienced and most knowledgeable supplier of inventory services to the home improvement sector
in New Zealand. On 23 March 2020 at 1:30pm, when the Prime Minister announced New Zealand had moved to Alert Level 3
(and in 48 hours would move to Alert Level 4) VRM management immediately communicated to its team throughout New Zealand it was time to get home and get organised, to be safe and prepared for the challenges to come.
VRM management supported and monitored the team over the closedown period ensuring everyone was safe; both physically and mentally.
Together, VRM supported everyone back into work on 13 May 2020, at Alert Level 2. Everyone had to adapt to huge changes
in the way that retail operates and to grow into the new ‘normal’ in-store, including the compulsory use of masks and gloves, floor markings where you could and/or could not stand, and the limited numbers of people in any one area at one time.
Following the easing of restrictions, Bunnings still managed to open the new Westgate store in August albeit somewhat delayed due to COVID. VRM helped many of their customers/suppliers in preparation for this store opening.
During the year, several VRM team changes occurred with new arrivals and changes to the way members all live and work. There continue to be around 32 people in the VRM team and its growing customer base, with recruiting continuing in Auckland and Wellington.
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Derek, Belinda and Isaac van der Vossen have the industry and inventory expertise to manage your products in these difficult times.
stock to keep ahead of the lift in sales across the stores.
Overall, in the throes of the pandemic, there has been a greater
awareness of the fragility of life and work. Like everyone the VRM team all spent time discovering the best ways to amuse oneself during lockdowns.
VRM has weathered the COVID storm remarkably well and has come out stronger, more resilient and more prepared to move into 2021 with its continuing uncertainties and the need to adapt to constant change.
The VRM team remain bonded as a cohesive unit, and in many cases customer relationships have been strengthened as a result of the combined pain felt through the effects of COVID. It has generally been a levelling experience.
In Bunnings some VRM customers moved to supplier assisted stock replenishment (ASR). This was understandable in the constantly evolving retail environment as Bunnings would want to be able to generate orders if normal ordering abilities were curtailed.
In May Bunnings rolled out its ‘click & collect’ system. The resulting spike in demand required special attention to ordering
There are new customers ahead and new stores such as
the Bunnings in Queenstown coming into service. Overall VRM continues to view the future with a positive mind-set and for
any home improvement related supply business looking to lift professional standards, keep staff safe and reap the benefits of expert inventory management, Derek van der Vossen and his team are a phone call away. ■
Intelligent Hardware Inventory Solutions
SUPPLIERS AND MANUFACTURERS!
Speak to us for solutions to your vendor refill and merchandising needs
“If you are looking for a dedicated team who understand merchandising and replenishment in the New Zealand hardware industry, Derek and VRM are the obvious choice. Hume Pine has been associated with Derek and his team for a number of years and they have assisted us to achieve and exceed our customer’s expectations with regard to service delivery and range maintenance. Communication from the team at VRM is excellent and the team are always available to assist and adapt to our requirements with any new projects or initiatives.” PAUL MUGGLETON, SALES MANAGER, HUME PINE
Ph: 0508 876 876 • Email: sales@vrm.net.nz • www.vrm.net.nz
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FEBRUARY 2021 | NZHJ 29
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