Furnituremakers
Furnituremakers Review Q2'20: Covid killed the corporate furniture and interiors supply market. Leading makers reported 30%+ demand declines. Meanwhile, WFH suppliers like Amazon, Wayfair exploded with record revenues. We review leaders and the new developments emerging during the crisis that will accelerate the Worklife Confluence & ergonomics movement Updated or Steelcase & Herman Miller latest results
The 8 traits of
Learning about the stellar results from implementing best practices often sparks inspiration for distributors. Practices that get a lot of attention include CRM, mobile webstore design, digital marketing, same-day delivery, strategic pricing, inventory and supplier management; plus many more to optimise profitability. We discuss MDM's strategic advice
OPocalypse Now!
Feeling 'OPeless? As the pandemic continues to ravage the world, its tough to look #BeyondCovid. We continue to urge makers & distributors to refresh and plan beyond the OPocalypse. Without question hygiene, safety supplies, packaging, ergonomics, foodservice & sustainability will be the new demand drivers. We explore opportunities and update reports published in March & April
The Melting Print
Recent research reports from Keypoint & 360 agree that the Managed Print Services (MPS) market will grow at an average of 8%+pa through 2024. Amazing stuff given that most of the market leaders reported -30% declines during Covid hit 2020, following double digit declines in 2019. We summarise the details, analyse and comment on the content
Do outside sales
Covid has dramatically changed the way distributors sell. This disruption has most profoundly affected the way outside sales representatives (OSRs) operate: More than 90% of B2B companies have shifted to a virtual or a hybrid sales model, according to a recent McKinsey report. This begs a hard question: Do OSRs have a future in distribution writes MDM's Benj Cohen? We discuss
Tech's top WFH
WFH execs, employees & students weren’t spending as much on mice or keyboards during Covid, but USB cameras and PC headsets became the hot items, according to the NPD Group. We discuss latest market reports and trends with Europe's leading IT wholesaler Westcoast MD Alex Tatham
Synnex: strong
US based Synnex, a leading IT distributor, in the process of splitting into two independent companies, reported a strong rebound from its Covid hit Q2 in its Q3'20 report
Lenovo launches
Worldwide #1 PC maker Lenovo is doubling down on portable business devices with the launch of a new model for its notebook portfolio, the ThinkPad X1 Nano. Apart from its featherweight its offering rapid response and longer life battery power...
Amazon palm
Amazon is unveiling its own palm recognition technology to turn hands into a personal credit card for retail stores. Amazon One 'palm signature' will be launched in Seattle Go stores initially and can be expanded to other businesses' entry and payment systems
AMZN aces high
Bank of America global research group reports shocking statistics on Amazon and its market dominance during Covid. Amazon itself announced its new Prime Day October event date originally scheduled for July...
Collaboration lifts
There’s not a lot of feelgood factors on WFH/remote teams. No co-workers chat in hallways or breakrooms; can’t say good morning as you pass someone’s desk. But, reaching out to someone you don't know is difficult. Zapier shows how....
Sahara acquired
UK AV specialist distributor Sahara led by much admired founder Kevin Batley has been acquired by a publicly quoted company. Current management believes it will boost growth from a broader range of presentation products.
Walmart's wishful
Walmart’s planned investment in TikTok is being called “transformative.” Another analyst predicted the deal could “redefine retail”. But how? It's years behind Amazon in broadline supply, speed of delivery, webstore design and user collaboration inc. home entertainment. We discuss NYTimes Michael Corkery's article...
BTS shoppers
On 8 Aug we asked 'What will Back-to-School shopping look like during this Covid hit year?' Retail forecasters anticipated a bumper year, given the uncertainty of dual demand from a hybrid situation of partial school opening and home learning. Now latest reports show demand is happening but not at 2019 levels..
Costco comps
Leading international $160Bn reseller Costco Wholesale experienced a demand surge when the Covid crisis broke in February with a double digit growth surge in March. After a slower spring, demand returned in summer to double digits boosted by an improved ecommerce experience
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