Hybrid work is
Is the 'Greenwash'
There's been much PR and social media postings by makers and distributors promoting their sustainability credentials. How much is genuine and how much is sham posturing aka 'greenwash'? Certainly there are doubts about printer paper claims given the toxic journey between makers, distributors, users, mailing and recycling. We explore....Updated
Depot distraction
Beleaguered bigbox ODP Corp (aka-Depot-Max) has leaked that more acquisitions under its faux 'Federation' distraction platform can be expected. With many dealers under pressure post-Govt Covid relief, could major Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas' resellers be in play? We discuss ceo Gerry 'Bizarro' Smith's latest attempt to distract attention away from its dire demise...
S t o c k l e s s
Is the end nigh for stockless dealers? Back in the 2019 'normal' days, dealers were struggling with a slowing economy. Then, Covid crashed the corp office market. Then, Government relief ran out last year. Now consolidation is happening? Moreover, wholesalers raised prices above inflation squeezing dealers competitiveness? The BIG question is how will transactional dealers survive? Should we expect larger progressives to lead an acquisition wave in the business supply market? We investigate latest market views. Later today ...
Are limping locals
'Buy Local' campaigns have been promoted by dealer groups for 30 years, largely as defensive plays v bigbox attacks. But, what user benefits do they offer in terms of personalized productivity gains v the increasingly local and faster Amazon army of resellers? We discuss and offer guidance...Updated
Reckitt rebounds
Reckitt the £14Bn ($18Bn) UK based international consumer hygiene & health products giant, reported powerful Q1'23 results, boosted by double digit price hikes, as consumers "resumed 'normal' pre Covid wellness and nutrition trends" commented new ceo Nicandro Durante.
UPM: +23% price
UPM Kymmene the world’s #3 papermaker, reported plunging printer paper demand offset by huge price hikes in Q1'23. Complacent ceo Jussi Pesonen seems oblivious to the disastrous mishandling of the lengthy Finnish workers strike last year, and gloried in hugely inflated results, as volumes sank. Moreover, it failed to invest in new markets?
B O X Partners'
VC CharlesBank Capital owned BOX Partners a leading US wholesaler of packaging supplies, has announced the acquisition of a similarly sized, rival neighbor to form a $500m powerhouse. BOX ceo Neil Thomas proclaimed the amicable deal as "Better Together" and provides business supplies dealers with a single source solution...
Mighty Microsoft's
Microsoft reported 'normalized' growth in Q3'23, following the explosive growth during Covid. Since ceo Satya Nadella took over 9yrs ago, the reinvented focus on personalisation, productivity & mobile tech via Azure Cloud & Dynamics business software, has produced powerful growth. Recently, skeptical WallSt. media has made myopic mention of minor layoffs, missing the big picture growth story. Updated
BiC writes & lights
BiC the stationery, shaver & lighter maker, reported a steady recovery in Q1'23, boosted by price hikes. Morever, it accelerated demand trends as its products recovered from its 'non essential' status in developed merkets
Bunzl bulks in
Bunzl, the $14Bn international business supplies wholesaler reported Q1'23 results. Real organic volume growth was flat and continued to be boosted by high inflationary prices and acquisitions. CEO Frank van Zanten commented on the latest 3 acquisitions this year.
UPS higher prices 
Stora stalls from
Leading global packaging maker Stora Enso confirmed last weeks warning that sales and profits are expected to be lower than for the full-year 2024. Weaker containerboard demand and disinflation from Covid induced highs were given as the primary causes by ceo Annica Bresky.
3M deaf to $10Bn
Once mighty 3M's sales volume declined again in Q1'23. The safety, transport & consumer (inc office) divisions even more deeply, in spite of high price hikes. CEO Mike Roman's opaque report was light on growth plans and detail inc: resolving defective ear-plug and 'forever chemicals (PFAS)' legal claims; plus the Health Care spinoff saga? Is he in denial? Updated
KC price hikes
Kimberly-Clark (K-C) the global personal hygiene brandmaker, reported slow personal care, consumer tissue & Pro' hygiene demand. CEO Mike Hsu commented opaquely on declining sales in spite of double-digit price increases; and losing market share to its main rivals... Updated
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