THE COMPLETE WORLD OF
RETAIL CHANNELS
From Supermarkets to Stadiums. From Convenience Stores to Cruise Lines. From Hotel Pantries to Grab & Go.
RetailFormats.com helps brands understand, evaluate, prioritize, and penetrate the retail and foodservice channels that matter most.
Created by retail channel pioneers with decades of experience developing new retail formats including Grab & Go, Hotel Pantries, Lobby Shops, Sundry Shops, Camp Marts, Marina Marts, and other emerging retail concepts.

THE AUTHORITY ON RETAIL CHANNEL DEVELOPMENT
Retail Formats was created to help brands understand where their products belong.
EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
PIONEERS OF RETAIL CHANNEL INNOVATION
For decades, our team has helped develop and support emerging retail concepts including:
EXPLORE RETAIL FORMATS

Traditional Retail
- Supermarkets
- Hispanic Supermarkets
- Asian Markets
- Natural Retailers
- Independent Grocers
- Specialty Foods

Mass Retail
- Mass Merchants
- Club Stores
- Dollar Stores
- Drug Stores
- Variety Stores

Convenience
- Convenience Stores
- Truck Stops
- Service Plazas
- Travel Centers

Hospitality
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Sundry Shops
- Lobby Shops
- Hotel Pantries

Recreation
- Campgrounds
- Marinas
- RV Parks
- National Parks
- Ski Resorts

Institutional
- Universities
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Government
- Military

Foodservice
- Restaurants
- Coffee Shops
- Delis
- Food Trucks
- Ghost Kitchens

Entertainment
- Theaters
- Stadiums
- Arenas
- Theme Parks
- Zoos & Aquariums

E-Commerce
- Marketplaces
- Subscription Programs
- D2C
- Social Commerce
RETAIL FORMATS & CHANNELS
The complete universe of retail and foodservice channels. Browse by category to see exactly where your product can win — from traditional grocery to stadiums, ghost kitchens, and beyond.
Traditional Retail
The everyday retail backbone — supermarkets, mass, club, drug, convenience, dollar, and military channels.

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) continues to lead the way in supporting consumer brands by providing targeted programming that educates them on the most effective retail channels to prioritize for their growth. With deep expertise, the CMA founders are recognized as pioneers in developing innovative retail formats, such as Hotel Pantries, which have redefined convenience shopping for travelers.
Their groundbreaking contributions to grab-and-go retail and foodservice programming have further cemented their role as visionaries in creating opportunities for brands to thrive in dynamic markets. By leveraging this legacy of innovation, CMA empowers brands with the insights and strategies needed to navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of retail and foodservice.
NOT EVERY PRODUCT BELONGS EVERYWHERE
Retail Formats helps brands determine:
PRODUCT FIT
- Price Point
- Package Size
- Shelf Life
- Consumer Target

RETAIL READINESS
- Margin Structure
- Distribution Needs
- Merchandising Requirements
- Packaging Requirements

GROWTH PLANNING
- Regional Rollout
- Distributor Intro
- National Expansion

LEARN BEFORE YOU LAUNCH

RETAIL FUNDAMENTALS
- What Is A Retail Format?
- Understanding Retail Buyers
- Retail Terminology

SELLING INTO RETAIL
- Category Reviews
- Planograms
- Shelf Placement
- Promotions

FOODSERVICE
- Menu Integration
- Operator Programs
- Distribution Networks

E-COMMERCE
- D2C Development
- Marketplace Sales
- Subscription Models
FROM CONCEPT TO RETAIL SHELF
POWERED BY THE
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING ALLIANCE
Access the largest network of manufacturing and retail professionals in North America.