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
Paragon picks off
Last month vulture Better Capital parent of SPOT (Spicers wholesale & OfficeTeam direct) filed for bankruptcy. Print giant Paragon Group has acquired the OfficeTeam businesses.. What's next for its self described "worthless" wholesale business?
De-Globalization
The popular political purview is Covid will cause negative changes in global trade & relationships. We discuss the pro & cons of this argument & the actual practice by leading global brands inc. business supply e.g. Apple, Amazon, 3M, Walmart, Costco, Staples & Home Depot.
Clearing the Air
Much admired family owned Fellowes company, is the shining example of a progressive OP maker shifting to productivity solutions, in the business supply market. The Bankers Box core business has now been overtaken by ergonomics, mobile accessories & air purifiers in its drive to workspace wellness & hygiene. We speak with CEO John Fellowes. Complete
O k i printers
Japanese OEM Oki reported strong growth in sales and profits in its full year results to 31Mar'20. Printers declined more than offset by growth in Info' Comms Technology (ICT) now over half its $4Bn in sales
The Race to be
As calls grow "to get our country open again,” much of corporate US is in no rush to return employees to their offices. They race, not to be first back, but last. We assess NYTimes David Streitfield's insightful article & the impact on business supply marketing & distribution to fragmented WFH users
C o l d blooded
Covid is an unprecedented tragedy. The 'perfect storm' of the paperless office, economic slowdown & the pandemic has been OPocalyptic. Looking 'Beyond Covid', who will survive? Already we've seen cold blooded vultures & public owned distributors fail. Who will join them; who will survive and thrive? Updated again today
Logitech zooms
Logitech International, the $3Bn personal tech accessories maker reported powerful sales growth in Q4'20 fuelled by the Covid induced WFHome lockdown. CEO Bracken Darrell was bullish about mobile & video collaboration prospects in 2020
Verso Paper
Verso Paper, the $2.7Bn papermaker, has engaged strategic financial advisers to consider a possible merger or sale. Q1'20 results confirm its difficult position including mill closures and sale of another to match declining demand
Brother inks
Brother International the $6Bn document services & printermaker, reported another sales and profits decline in Q4'20 primarily from weaker markets in the US & Japan, whilst Europe improved
#BeyondCovid:
While “touch” has become a potential threat of the Covid pandemic, the term “touchless economy” has entered our lives. Inspired by Tim Wu’s article for NYTimes, we decided to have a closer look at the topic.
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