U.S. Retail Entry Services

We don't "introduce." We prepare you to win.

Access + Execution + Procurement Insight

We Are U.S. Retail Entry Operators

Not brokers. Not agents. Not introducers.

Connective Ventures Group bridges procurement intelligence with international execution capability. Our team combines direct retail buyer experience with proven operational expertise in bringing international brands into the U.S. market. We understand what retailers need, what buyers approve, and how to position your brand for success from day one.

Our Core Services

U.S. Market Entry Strategy

Strategic positioning to maximize your brand's competitive advantage in the U.S. market.

Category Positioning

We analyze retail category structures to identify the optimal shelf placement and positioning strategy for your brand. Understanding where your product fits within U.S. retail taxonomy is critical for buyer conversations.

Pricing & Margin Structuring

Retail margin expectations vary by retailer and category. We help structure your pricing architecture to meet retailer requirements while maintaining profitability—typically 40-50% gross margins for most categories.

Competitive Landscape Analysis

Deep analysis of your competitive set within the U.S. market. We identify white space opportunities, assess competitor pricing and positioning, and develop differentiation strategies that resonate with American retailers and consumers.

Consumer Insights

Understanding U.S. consumer preferences, purchasing behaviors, and cultural expectations. What works in Europe or Asia may need adaptation for American consumers—we guide these strategic decisions.

U.S. Regulatory Compliance

Navigate complex U.S. regulations to ensure your products meet all federal and state requirements.

FDA Compliance

For food, supplements, cosmetics, and OTC products, FDA compliance is non-negotiable. We guide facility registration, ingredient approvals, labeling requirements, and safety documentation to ensure your products meet U.S. standards.

Labeling Alignment

U.S. labeling requirements differ significantly from international standards. Nutrition facts panels, ingredient declarations, allergen warnings, and claims must all comply with federal regulations. We review and approve label compliance.

Safety Documentation

Retailers require Certificates of Analysis (COAs), third-party lab testing, and safety certifications. We coordinate testing requirements and compile documentation packages that meet retailer procurement standards.

Insurance Requirements

Major retailers require product liability insurance ranging from $1M to $2M+. We connect you with insurance providers familiar with international brands and ensure coverage meets retailer specifications.

Retail Vendor Readiness

Operational infrastructure setup to meet the demanding requirements of major U.S. retailers.

GS1 Barcoding

U.S. retailers require GS1-compliant UPC barcodes. We facilitate GS1 registration, barcode assignment, and ensure proper barcode implementation across your product line for seamless retail scanning and inventory management.

EDI Setup

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is mandatory for most major retailers. We connect you with EDI providers and ensure your systems can handle purchase orders, invoices, advance ship notices, and inventory updates in required formats.

Vendor Insurance & Compliance

Beyond product liability, retailers require general liability coverage, indemnification agreements, and compliance certifications. We review all vendor agreements and ensure you meet contractual obligations before onboarding.

Logistics Structuring

Case pack quantities, pallet configurations, shipping standards—retailers have specific requirements. We structure your logistics to meet OTIF (On-Time In-Full) standards and minimize chargeback exposure.

3PL Setup

Establishing U.S. warehousing through third-party logistics (3PL) providers is essential for retail distribution. We connect you with qualified 3PLs and coordinate warehouse setup, inventory systems, and distribution protocols.

Packaging Compliance

Retail-ready packaging must meet specific dimensions, sustainability requirements, and display standards. We review packaging design for retailer compliance and shelf appeal in the U.S. market.

Buyer Access Strategy

Strategic preparation and presentation to retail buyers with procurement intelligence that wins approvals.

Procurement Preparation

Retail buyers evaluate dozens of brands weekly. We prepare you with the exact documentation, data, and positioning that procurement teams expect—because we've sat on the other side of the table.

Data Presentation

Buyers make decisions based on data, not hope. We compile velocity projections, category performance benchmarks, and market opportunity analysis that demonstrates your brand's retail viability with hard numbers.

Sell-Through Modeling

Retailers care about turns and sell-through rates. We model expected inventory movement, promotional lift, and replenishment cycles to show buyers exactly how your product will perform on their shelves.

Retail Pitch Optimization

We refine your pitch to address what buyers actually care about: margin structure, promotional strategy, competitive differentiation, and operational readiness. Our team knows buyer psychology because we've been retail buyers.

Why Our Approach Works

We combine procurement intelligence with international execution capability—a unique combination in the market.

Procurement Intelligence

Bryson Niemann, our co-founder and former Target Procurement Officer, brings insider knowledge of:

  • How retail buyers evaluate new brands
  • What gets approved vs. rejected in category reviews
  • Retail margin structures and pricing expectations
  • Vendor onboarding standards at major retailers
  • Direct experience with Target, CVS Health, Cub Foods, and Walmart

International Execution

Abdirahman Ali, our co-founder with 10+ years building international companies, provides:

  • International sourcing and import/export expertise
  • Supply chain development and optimization
  • Multi-market expansion strategies
  • Regulatory navigation across jurisdictions
  • Operational system building for scale

Together, we bridge procurement intelligence + international execution

This combination allows us to prepare international brands for U.S. retail success with both strategic insight and operational capability. We don't just open doors—we ensure you're ready to walk through them.

Our 3-Phase Process

We don't pitch hope. We build proof. Our proven methodology takes international brands from validation to national retail placement.

1

Phase 1: Validation

Months 0-6

What We Do:

  • U.S. entity setup and legal structure
  • Complete regulatory compliance review
  • U.S. 3PL warehouse establishment
  • DTC launch via Shopify and Amazon
  • Performance tracking and data collection

What You Get:

  • Validated U.S. business infrastructure
  • Real U.S. consumer sales data
  • Customer feedback and product insights
  • Operational systems for scaling

Goal: Prove product-market fit in the U.S. before approaching major retailers.

2

Phase 2: Regional Retail Entry

Months 6-12

What We Do:

  • Target specialty chains and natural retailers
  • Secure regional grocer placements
  • Boutique retail partnerships
  • Build retail velocity metrics
  • Collect retail performance case studies

What You Get:

  • Retail distribution presence in U.S.
  • Sell-through data from physical retail
  • Proof of retail viability
  • Refined operational capabilities

Goal: Build velocity, case studies, and retail momentum before national retailer approach.

3

Phase 3: National Retail Approach

Month 12+

What We Do:

  • Approach Target, Walmart, CVS Health buyers
  • Present data-backed retail performance
  • Demonstrate logistics readiness
  • Show compliance infrastructure
  • Negotiate terms and placement strategy

What You Get:

  • National retail placement opportunities
  • Buyer meetings at major retailers
  • Proof, not hope, in your pitch
  • Strategic positioning for category success

Now you're not pitching hope. You're pitching proof.

Ready to Enter the U.S. Retail Market?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your brand's path to U.S. retail success. We'll assess your readiness and outline a strategic market entry plan.

[email protected] 612-496-8493