Fastenal fast
Fastenal, the $5Bn in sales, US reseller of MRO, vending supplies, slowed its rapid pace of growth in Q2'19. Is this another indicator of the industrial economy slowdown. Watch this space...
Recycling market
The VC owner of Clover Technologies, the ink & toner cartridge & mobile phone recycler is reviewing its strategic options in the face of competitive pressure and secular decline in its core markets...
ASL makes 3rd
ASL Group, the UK managed print provider has snapped up an East Midlands document management specialist, its 3rd acquisition over the past 18 months. We speak with CEO Mark Garius
Pepsi powers
PepsiCo the giant food & beverages marketer to consumers and business with $64Bn in sales continued to outperform its rivals in excellence, innovative snacks & ethical trading in Q2'19
Amazon ace's
Amazon turned 25 on Friday and the first job ad posted by founder Jeff Bezos wanted people who could perform tasks "in about one-third the time most competent people think possible." His customer service and speed obsession is set for further acceleration
Back to School
Office Depot was the first bigbox to launch its Back to School personality driven promotional plans this season. We await plans from Staples, Amazon, Walmart, Target and will compare prospects given the all important customer service differentials...
Japan's #1 maker
First reported by PP in January, Spicers, the Australia-based paper mechant that remained following the collapse of PaperlinX in 2015, has been sold to Japan’s #1 papermaker Kokusai Pulp & Paper (KPP).
Microsoft sparks
Microsoftpartners (MSN) have been left "flabbergasted" at the vendor's decision to withdraw what are seen in some quarters as two key benefits to Gold and Silver reseller partners.
Japan Paper
Giant Japan Pulp & Paper has purchased a leading UK paper merchant to expand its global distribution network and hedge against protectionist government policies
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?
"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? Later today
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