Shelf-help? Looks like shelf space is still the corporations' turf

Entrepreneur,  Oct, 2002  by Stephen Barlas

Tags: FTC, grocery

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DON'T EXPECT THE FTC TO SIDE WITH THE DAVIS of the grocery business against the Goliaths yet. That was the message in a letter the FTC sent out in June rejecting a petition for changes in "slot ting allowances" companies pay groceries for prime shelf placement.

"This response sends a chill up the spine of small manufacturers, whose ability to bring their products to consumers is being whittled away by the companies that control dominant shares of the marketplace," said Sen. Kit Bond (R-MO), ranking member of the Small Business Committee.

The FTC's William Cohen says the commission is currently performing a study of slotting allowances, and that may lead to future action.

STEPHEN BARLAS is a freelance business reporter who covers the Washington beat for 15 magazines.

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