Latest News

Volumes in decline. Prices up!
Who is winning mkt share?

Hygiene, Foodservice & Packaging (HyPac) is the #1 business supply category alongside tech. Progressive business suppliers have pivoted into hygiene and wellness services. Proficiency Index Q2'26 reports analysis to date: CEO's seem complacent, lacking transparency by not splitting lower volumes from higher prices; denying soft consumer demand v WallSt AI Bubble euphoria? Updated full analysis here, first: Aramark, OptiGroup, Sappi, Smurfit, Rentokil-Initial, Bunzl, Brady and ABM industries. Complete!

Bigboxes beaten. Next AMZN
w customer productivity svcs

As Staplessink and Depot dies, it's appropriate to celebrate the progress of the Independent Business Supply Resellers. The Top 2 Lyreco based in France; and WBMasonbased in Boston, lead the way followed by the Top 40 progressive regional resellers. Amazonwith $120Bn in sales dominate, so what are the independents doing to differentiate and grow in a flat market? We analyse the progress of each reseller. Updated

Pizza Boxes,water,coffee,
now top biz supply sellers

15yrs ago printer paper+ink were Top 10 business supply selling products. Today, these aren't in Top 100. Current analysis of progressive resellers show the top sellers are in the foodservice to restaurants, hygiene to business; and medical supplies to health care markets. Sadly, OP dealers-wholesalers' sales mix is stuck at 60%+ for <15%/demand? Full analysis of the new Top Sellers list here...updated

Lessons from Gamechangers.
Your Reinvention Road Map!

"An inspirational read!" In depth conversations with 200+ leaders, game-changers in the broadline business supply market. It covers the Rise, the Fall,The Reinvention of the industry into AI tech, hygiene, foodservice, packaging & medical supply markets. Get the inside success stories and future plans of Amazon, Lyreco, WBMason Starbuckset al. Industry leaders' give glowing praise for "The definitive guide towards reinvention"
Please order BeyondthePaperclip@Amazon

Details: 27 May 15; Updated: 28 May 15

SPLODGE: Union
urges FTC block

Monopoly claim mistaken
Merger aids competition.

The American Posts Workers Union (APWU) has urged the FTC to block the proposed $6.3 billion Staples takeover of Office Depot. Whilst its stance is understandable, the merger will work in consumers' interest

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Details: 30 Jan 16; Updated: 1 Feb 16

C r u m b l i n g
Crystal R o c k

Competitive pressure
causes heavy losses

Crystal Rock, the US Northeast water and OP dealer, announced another serious decline in financial results Q4'15 ended 30 Sep'15. The CEO is living in cloud cuckooland with his platitudinous commentary

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Details: 14 Aug 39; Updated: 14 Aug 39

SPLS stakes 3rd
Basics member

Canada division cleaning
up best Eastern dealers

Staples Canada has acquired its 3rd ex-Basicnet group member based in Ontario. Apparently ceo David Boone has agreed to allow the local regional brand ro continue? Strangely, there has been little to report on the acquisition front in the US? Is owner Sycamore Partners considering more 'strip and flips'?

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H y g i e n e supply
leaders less healthy

Volumes in decline. Prices up!
Who is winning mkt share?

Independents' Best
Practice Examples

Bigboxes beaten. Next AMZN
w customer productivity svcs

G o B e y o n d
P a p e r c l i p s !

Pizza Boxes,water,coffee,
now top biz supply sellers

B e y o n d t h e
P a p e r c l i p !