Company
Michael Scalzo of Island Sales and Marketing have been serving the islands since 1992. He has spent over 24 years working in retail. In fact, he help create one of the first Warehouse club stores in island markets-Cost-U-Less, Inc. Cost-U-Less is currently a public company owned and operated by the NorthWest Company out of Winnipeg Canada. With Michael’s help the chain grew to 12 stores throughout the island markets with sales reaching in excess of $275 million in 2009.
Michael has traveled extensively to export markets throughout the Pacific and Caribbean islands. He has negotiated directly with over a 1,000 manufactures as he led the entire supply chain staff at corporate, regional and store level. His understanding of how the islands work is critical to his success. He knows the difficulties in dealing with the different markets throughout the islands. He embraces and enjoys each individual islands culture and respects their ways.
Michael has been instrumental in understanding the logistic challenges associated with remote retailing. Over the years, he has set up regional and local distribution centers to handle the flow of products to the islands. He has worked with major shipping carriers and understands how the logistic supply chain works. He has worked directly with individual governments in dealing with many aspects of custom clearing as it relates to duties, hts codes, permits and other restrictions needed to get goods to market.
His experience does not stop there. He has been fortunate to work both sides of the desk. Prior to working as a senior executive for a chain in the islands, Michael worked as the “In House” broker to Costco Wholesale. He worked directly with several national manufactures as he represented them to Costco. Working out of the corporate office of Costco Wholesale, Michael had the full understanding of what manufactures deal with day to day. He works directly with some of the biggest US brands in establishing marketing programs, item presentations, and sales analysis to retailers throughout the country. Michael’s experience in buying and leading a national buying team is critical to understanding how each side works. This enables him to better address the needs of both customers and the clients he serves.
Michael is currently representing several major manufactures into many different segments of trade. You will find his lines in Warehouse Clubs, Grocery, Wholesale, Specialty, and Mass. He acts as a consultant to a number of companies as they use his expertise in sales, marketing and distribution.
Island Sales and Marketing office is located on Mercer Island. It is much different than the remote islands of the Pacific or Caribbean, but Michael was born and raised on this island. He has very strong roots to the community where he currently resides with his wife, kids and extended family.
