Collaboration

Manufacturers and retailers in the home-center market differ on what the term "category management" means and how it should be achieved.

The squeeze on margins and space has marketers and retailers working more closely than ever before -- but it creates friction as well.

Smaller retailers want their P-O-P concerns met, too, but their options are limited unless special needs offer a payback.

As retail markets consolidate, marketers strive to develop partnerships with key accounts -- but is there room for a senior partner in the mix?