CALGARY, Alberta — Category Management Knowledge Group (CMKG) and b2b Solutions LLC are introducing an On-Line Category Management Training Program specifically developed for convenience-store and small-store retailers. The training will help retailers move to a more strategic, fact-based approach in their business, the companies said.

“Teaming up with b2b Solutions to provide online and custom training solutions to the convenience-store industry is an exciting development for our company,” said Sue Nicholls, president of CMKG.

The addition of this partnership reflects the desire of both companies to collaborate on a shared vision of building capability and capacity in organizations to meet the needs of the changing c-store industry and its shoppers.

“We saw a perfect fit for both organizations in our like-minded approaches and visions to build the skills of c-store/small-store owners around the world in order to help them compete with the increasingly competitive marketplace through a more strategic approach to their business,” said Steve Montgomery, b2b Solutions president.

“Our focus is on real-world, actionable learning, not just theory. The foundations of category management-certified training, coupled with a strong knowledge and understanding of c-stores and how they work has led to an incredible and unique learning program that will benefit c-store owners around the world,” he said.

As part of the CMKG b2b Solutions partnership launch, the companies will host a free webinar titled “Category Management in Your C-Store / Small-Store Overview” on Oct. 8 and Nov. 19, 2015.

Founded in 2002, Calgary, Alberta-based CMKG is a category management training company that is offers blended learning solutions, including online, case studies, webinars and live training. CMKG serves more than 100 clients and was the first company to have its training certified by the Category Management Association. It also has run live training sessions at Convenience University (sponsored by CSP) for the past two years.

Founded in 1994, Lake Forest, Ill.-based b2b Solutions is a consultancy that specializes in working with retailers and suppliers in the convenience-store industry. It supports its retailer clients with backgrounds in business strategy and planning, retail fuel, marketing and merchandising, foodservice, store operations and information systems. Industry suppliers use b2b Solutions for industry education, research and market-penetration strategies.