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
How serious are
Social media and LinkedIn particularly is awash with OP dealer reps touting PPE/hygiene and back to work supplies. Is this short term opportunism or the start of a serious shift from the old transactional world of office supplies, to the new era of 'managed personalised productivity services' business users need in the new hybrid WFH or corporate office era? We explore.... Updated
Top 20 Women
Marketing to businesses by brandmakers & resellers has been dominated by men. Now many of the most successful businesses are increasingly inspired by women. PP lists the most prominent women marketers in business supply this year We received a suprisingly strong response given the quiet market inc. some notable new nominations from indy dealers. We publish the 'Top 20 Women in Business Supply' today Updated
Amazon amps up
Global#1 broadline business supplier to users (B2U) Amazon is planning to open 1,000 small delivery hubs in cities and suburbs across the US. Founder CEO Jeff Bezos gets ever closer to his 1994 vision of "Everything (A->Z) available to Everybody, NextHour at Lowest Prices"
R e t a i l
The financial media e.g. CNBC, WSJ, FT & Fox has been rhetorical in promoting the 'strong consumer recovery ' during Covid, almost to the point of denial of the economic depression. Sure retail spending is recovering but at a much slower pace and unlikely to return to pre-2018 levels.
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
Herman Miller
Herman Miller, the leading upscale furniture maker, recovered huge corporate demand losses in the Spring. CEO Andi Owen reported strong WFH demand, new home office concept stores and progress in its new gaming partnership with Logitech
A d o b e CX
Digital media and marketing software maker Adobe beat growth & earnings expectations for Q3'20. CEO Shantanu Narayen's guidance for the current quarter was upbeat with the innovative customer experience (CX) company's acquisition prospects under the microscope.
Lowes lifts SMB's
Home Office improvement giant Lowes is offering small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, the “Shark Tank” treatment. CEO Marvin Ellison (pic left) talks about the enterprising partnership with Daymond John
Carlyle bets on
Leading private equity firm Carlyle Group will acquire a majority stake in sanitizing machine maker betting that cleanliness will remain a top priority long after a COVID vaccine is available. Expect similar moves in the hygiene and safety market in 2021
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
FedEx: carried by
FedEx CEO Fred 'Smug' Smith continued to report 'analysis free' Q1'21 results to 31Aug''20. Two rounds of unnecessary, high price hikes boosted sales & profitability. 'Smug's arrogance continued towards the media as it lost market share to Amazon, USPS & UPS with an outdated, inferior service model
MMMomentum up
The mighty 3M suffered big Covid hits in all divisions, is showing improved resilience in safety and health care markets reported CEO Mike Roman in his Q3 outlook. The office sector, once powerful, has fallen well behind the growing business supply categories
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