H y g i e n e supply
Independents' Best
G o B e y o n d 
B e y o n d t h e
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A C E average like
HomeDepot-Lowes
Indie marketing group gains
higher prices on flat volume
Ace Hardware the leading member owned, home improvement co-op ceo John Venhuizen reported a flat organic performance in Q2'26 but commented "highest quarterly revenue and earnings in the company's storied history" The group's sales volume was flat similar to rivals Home Depot & Lowes. Full results analysis here, first ....
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Can K-C capture
Kenvue benefits?
Slow growth legacy hygiene
biz sparks investor doubts
Kimberly-Clark, the personal care giant, agreed to acquire Kenvue, the consumer health house of brands (inc. Tylenol, Listerine, Neutrogena) for $49Bn, in Nov'25. This monster deal due for completion in Q4'26, will take revenues to $32Bn+. The cost synergies are obvious, but in a new era of intensifying brand focus eg Reckitt, Unilever can it compete as a broad platform like P&G? Full investor analysis here, first
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AMZN accelerates
drone delivery 6X
Expanding to reach 500 US
cities (+UK) by end of 2026
Amazon's amazing sales growth accelerated in Q2'26, with WFH direct & 3Pty sellers business supplies demand maintained strength e.g. tech, hygiene, foodservice, packaging & medical supplies. 'TheEverything Store' is now expanding its drone delivery program launched in the US in 2022 and in UK in May'26. Full story here, first ....
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The Best, Brightest
B r a n d Identities
Proficiency Index new survey:
OP, Tech & HyPac consumers
As a by-product of Proficiency Index's First Buyers Survey in the HyPac market, (Hygiene, Foodsevice and Packaging) it surveyed what consumers felt were their most favoured. brightest brand names. This survey of decision makers revealed fascinating insights in NY, Boston, London & Manchester and featured original brands, private label and leading resellers. Full report here, first ...updated tomorrow
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Walmart walking
up steady growth
Ads,Mbrs fees,Tariff refunds
hike profits.Ecom 20%sales
Walmart former #1 global retailer reported steady volume growth in Q2'27. It continued to ape Amazon's iinitiatives in ads and membership fees. CEO John Furner commented "We continue to progress on long-term value drivers eg eCommerce is evidence". Full analysis here, first...
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Alibaba's advance
adds momentum
New services mirror AMZN
initiatives in Alexa & Cloud
China's Alibaba the $160Bn+ in sales, MCommerce giant reported continued recovery in Q2'26. CEO Eddie Wu provided details of new services in AI, cloud, grocery delivery that mimic Amazon's innovations. Wu commented “Cloud’s revenue growth accelerated to 45%, with AI-related product revenue delivering triple-digit growth for 3yrs"..Full analysis here. first....
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Rapid Earnings rise
ruins real economy?
Hi-inflation powers Hi-prices/
profits; disguises volume drop
Proficiency Post watches CNBC everyday and the dominating theme through '26 is "record double-digit earnings growth". This 'economic paradox': earnings hype v falling consumer demand,was exemplified post Covid when declining OP/papermakers made more money as volumes sank eg, a +10% cost increase, translated to +10% price hikes, hoisting earnings by +10-15%. PP's Q2'26 reports' analysis confirmed this has happened again with no mention by deluded ceo's. Full analysis here, first...
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Target's traffic
trends turn up!
Strong growth in ad revs,
Circle 360 & marketplace
Target the $105Bn+ sales US retailer reported increasing customer traffic forthe second quarter in Q2'26. CEO Michael Fiddelke said "Our encouraging momentum is resonating with guests and strengthening our leadership position in style, design, and value" Full analysis here, first
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Lowes s l o w s
from WFH highs
Flat market share? Total
Home and Pro strategy
Lowes the US #2 $92Bn sales WFH improvement supplier reported soft Q2'26 results. CEO Marvin Ellison commented "Sustained growth in Pro, Online and Home Services led to our fifth consecutive quarter of positive comp sales,? Full analysis here, first
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HomeDepot sales
volume slow down
PRO/salesforce augur well.
Losing mkt share to Ace HW?
HomeDepot the $160Bn+ DIY/WFH office reseller reported a soft performance in Q2'26. CEO Ted Decker commented "Underlying demand was similar to a slow 2025 with greater consumer uncertainty and affordability pressure", We'll check market share v Lowes and Ace in due course. Full report analysis here, first...
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