2019 Champions
We've concluded the Proficiency Index Dealer Productivity 2019 Half Year Review, the most universally accepted indicator of dealer profitability. Dealers have submitted sales forecasts for 2019/current employee numbers (FTE's). We'll finalise the numbers and publish championship leaderboard... Updated
Arrow axes PC,Arrow Electronics the $30Bn in sales IT distributor, announced plans to wind down its PC and mobility business to reduce costs as it expects Q2'19 sales and earnings to not meet expectations. We spaek with CEO Mike Long (pic left)
MSC Industrial
MSC Industrial Supply, a leading MRO distributor reported slower results for Q3'19 with CEO Erik Gershwind & customers less positive about the market outlook., hit by tariffs and economic uncertainty....
'Paperless' paused
Big businesses have removed or changed their messaging since the inception of pro-paper campaign group Two Sides in 2008. Accused of 'greenwash' those promoting a paperless comms future based on greater speed, efficiency and carbon emission reduction should be regroup and focus on the positives of digital comms.
Lyreco leader
Leading global OP reseller Lyreco has released CEO Herve Milcent after a near 5 year tenure that failed to keep pace with the broadline business supply market. The France based independent will resort to a 20 year veteran that understands the market opportunities.
Will AMZN Prime
The ads are incessant for Prime Day, Amazon’s two-day shopping event for members only, July 15 and 16. Perhaps you even caught the live-streamed Taylor Swift concert that kicked off the festivities. Fast Company's Mark Wilson reckons its a con. We discuss his case....
Sustainability
'World Environment Day 2019' was hosted by Hangzhou city in China on 5 June. The theme was cutting 'Air Pollution'. We invited dealers, distributors and manufacturers to submit details of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and progress. We highlight the criteria and will review progress throughout July inc. case studies. Updated
Wholesalers'
Modern Distribution Management's (MDM) 14th annual economic benchmarks for wholesalers report examines sales, inventory levels, gross margin, productivity and other critical benchmark data trends for 19 sectors in the distribution industry. We benchmark best practices in business supplies.....Updated
Fakebook fine a
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has agreed to a $5bn settlement with Facebook over it's deceitful use of private data. e.g. selling info to Microsoft. 'Fakebook' even violated a firewall & budgeted the penalty precisely. Who's Zucking who?
Kimberly Clark
Slumbering hygiene giant Kimberly Clark appointed new CEO Michael Hsu (pic left) at the end of 2018. He seems determined to transform its slow growth performance by appointing its first Chief Growth Officer hired from another brand giant.
"Tomorrow's News Today,
not yesterday's news tomorrow."
Will ODP Federate
Beleaguered Office Depot made its 10th dealer acquisition in May, since its Federation drive started in Oct'17. PP sources understand another batch may join in Q3. Given Depot's fragile market capitalisation, what are wholesalers doing to defend a potential dealer exodus? Updated
Staples stokes up
As indicated at Essendant's CORE event in Feb, Staples has combined purchasing power and demanded substantial cost price reductions from vendors. The big question is what savings will be invested in dealer competitiveness and how much pocketed by vulture capitalist owner Sycamore Partners? We discuss... Updated
Papermakers'
The Big 3 US papermakers' cartel behaviour persists. After the Georgia Pacific mill closure saga induced panic buying ahead of a phantom March price increase, distributors stocked to the rafters. Now with demand sliding are the domestic makers propagating near capacity limits to boost another price increase claim? On Monday inc latest papermakers reports
Dealers' decision
Back in 1994, the OP wholesalers led the stockless dealer drive that fuelled the expansion of single source supplier success. Now with uncertainty surrounding wholesalers' future, its decision making time for dealers. We explore the options available for those who are committed to becoming broadline business suppliers. Updated
Logistics leaders
Q2'19 results season is upon us with consumer & business supplies' brand CEO's expected to report a further slowdown that started in Q3'18. Leading laggards are the logistics giants including FedEx, JBHunt, XPO, CSX & UPS. We preview the trends....Updated
'Paperless' paused
Big businesses have removed or changed their messaging since the inception of pro-paper campaign group Two Sides in 2008. Accused of 'greenwash' those promoting a paperless comms future based on greater speed, efficiency and carbon emission reduction should be regroup and focus on the positives of digital comms.
Will AMZN Prime
The ads are incessant for Prime Day, Amazon’s two-day shopping event for members only, July 15 and 16. Perhaps you even caught the live-streamed Taylor Swift concert that kicked off the festivities. Fast Company's Mark Wilson reckons its a con. We discuss his case....
Fakebook fine a
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has agreed to a $5bn settlement with Facebook over it's deceitful use of private data. e.g. selling info to Microsoft. 'Fakebook' even violated a firewall & budgeted the penalty precisely. Who's Zucking who?
Newell Brands in
The collapse of the Newell house of brands post the disastrous $16Bn Jarden acquisition in 2016 continues. The uncertainty hanging over the heads of executives leading valuable assets is palpable. What's next for brands like Rubbermaid, Papermate/Sharpie, Dymo, Elmers? We discuss.... later today
Can SPOT stop
Vulture capitalist Better Capital owner of SPOT, the mongrel mix of Spicers & Officeteam, has reported 2018 financial results. As expected it continued to bleed losses from mismanagement of a dealer group contract and huge paper price increases. Surely, CEO Jon Moulton (pic left) will terminate its tortuous tenure soon?
What Lucy wants
A c m e United