Shelf Ready Competition

Earn Your Spot on the Shelf

The Greater Memphis Chamber’s Small Business Council is proud to present Shelf Ready: Vendor Pitch Opportunity, an exclusive event tailored for aspiring store vendors. In partnership with Cordelia’s Market, this initiative aims to cultivate collaborative partnerships with local businesses, fostering growth and prosperity within our community.

Shelf Ready provides a unique platform for local companies to showcase their products and secure placement in Shelf Ready stores across the Mid-South region. This event is a testament to our commitment to supporting small businesses and driving economic development in Memphis.

Meet Our 2026 Shelf Ready Winners

Naked Scents Candle Co. is a Memphis-based luxury home fragrance brand founded by Khalilah Sanders and has been in operation for five years. The company creates hand-poured wooden-wick candles, room and linen sprays, carpet fresheners, and wax melts using coconut wax and phthalate-free fragrances.

Known for its distinctive scent blends and elegant, minimalist packaging, Naked Scents produces its products locally in small batches and fulfills orders within three to five business days. The brand is focused on delivering a premium fragrance experience and is well-positioned for retail growth.

Boss Lady Pickles, founded by Erica Sutton, is a locally owned Memphis business that has been producing specialty pickled products for the past two years. The company offers a variety of handcrafted pickles, including unique flavor profiles, along with pickled okra and other vegetables. Products are locally produced, packaged in sealed jars, and labeled in compliance with cottage food regulations.

Boss Lady Pickles has previous retail experience and is currently stocked at the Farm Market Co-op. The business manages its own delivery and logistics, maintains a quick 24–48-hour fulfillment window, and is well-positioned to support retail partnerships.

We invite local business owners to participate in this exciting opportunity by submitting applications to pitch their products.

Selected submissions will have the chance to practice their pitches with a successful company that has already secured shelf space in grocery stores. Additionally, a selection committee will review all applications and select the top candidates to present their pitches to Cordelia’s Market representatives in Spring 2027.

Apply for Shelf Ready: Vendor Pitch Opportunity, and take the first step towards expanding your business and reaching new heights of success.

Apply to Pitch

Local company owners interested in pitching their products for placement in Cordelia’s Market stores across the Mid-South can submit applications. Access the application below. Once complete, please email it to ShelfReady@memphischamber.com. Application reviews will start Spring 2027.

Final Selection

A selection committee will review all applications and forward top candidates to Cordelia’s Market representatives. Miss Cordelia’s will then choose companies to present their products.

Pitch Coaching Session

Before the event in Spring 2027, selected applicants will have an opportunity to participate in a virtual pitch coaching session. This session will provide valuable insights and tips for successful pitching, led by a company that has already achieved success in hitting grocery store shelves.

Event Date

The next Shelf Ready: Vendor Pitch Opportunity event will take place in Spring 2027. Check back for specific deadline and event dates.