The Paperless,
The global Covid lockdown will likely reignite trends that emerged over the past 20 years. The printer 'paperless' plunge; 'officeless' orientation; and now the 'touchless' trend towards higher hygiene & safety. Moreover, a resurgence in sustainability practices to cut carbon emissions; and ironically, greater human touch. We analyse these movements Updated
Glocalisation Up!
In 1994, John Naisbitt wrote the Global Paradox book, that successfully predicted the growth of independent businesses. #Glocalisation paralleled that prediction where products/services were created for global consumption and personalised to suit local culture. This trend is rising thru Covid. We discuss the many successful brand case studies.
Print/papermakers
Most leading OP, Paper & Print makers have reported severe sales declines in Q1'20 to date. Printer Paper demand is down 60%+ since 2008; the exodus to hygiene and packaging is huge. We analyse the market and update on a daily basis. Updated for Konica Minolta today
The Office is Dead!
"Farewell, office. You were the last boundary between work and home" writes NYTimes columnist Jennifer Senior. "The office shaped identities in ways workers never knew". Yes, the 'Officeless' trend started 10yrs ago, but the power of physical community & teamwork contact should not be underestimated...Updated
High order values.
A primary focus for OP dealers has been lowering buying price to achieve GP% improvement. Progressive dealers in broadline business supply have achieved greater success by 2X order values & lowering cost to serve. We highlight examples... Updated
High order values.
A primary focus for OP dealers has been lowering buying price to achieve GP% improvement. Progressive dealers in broadline business supply have achieved greater success by 2X order values & lowering cost to serve. We highlight examples... Updated
Best Buy battles
Best Buy, the $44Bn US electronics retailer reported on the Covid hit Q1'21 ended 30 Apr'20. CEO Corie Barry's team suffered a 6wks store closure and commendably recovered with online ordering of WFH tech and curbside collection to mitigate losses
Tech resellers'
The tech industry largely thrived through Covid from the demand surge in Health Care and the WFH/Education and business people for PC's, tablets and networking aequipment. We've reported on the major global distributors now on three more leaders
Disrupted DIRTT's
DIRTT Environmental Solutions, the tech design/installer of sustainable office & residential interiors, shas seen a dramatic demand dive since the founder management disruptions of 2018/19. The new CEO blames has yet to communicate a viable plan for recovery
Target's ticket
Leading US retailer Target reported a bumper Q1'20 sales from Covid induced 'essentials' demand. CEO Brian Cornell reported higher ticket values from online ordering and fewer store visits
Navigator Paper
Portugal's Navigator Company, the leading quality brand papermaker, reported increased volumes restoring channel inventories in Q1'20. The plunge in market pulp and prices negated gains, then the the Covid crisis crashed demand from late March causing the company to cut capacity.
Lenovo lengthens
Hong Kong based, international PC & mobile giant Lenovo was hit badly by Covid in its Q4'20 ended 31 March'20. The Mobile group was hit especially hard with the temporary closure of its Wuhan factory for 3 months.
Home Depot up
Home Depot the $110Bn+ home & business improvement supplier benefited from the WFH lockdown DIY sales, but suffered from the drop in its PRO business supply wholesale activity. Looks like more homes are being converted to home offices.
Walmart writes
The world’s #1 retailer, Walmart (inc. Asda UK) was boosted by the Covid lockdown spending in its Q1'21, including huge online demand & delivery. It continued to copy Amazon's initiatives & benefited from store collection and higher ticket values
Exertis lost share
Irish based IT/OP distributor Exertis' parent company DCC Group announced full year results to 31Mar'20. CEO Donal Murphy reported on flat organic growth in a buoyant IT market boosted by interanational acquisitions inc. US
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