HP Sustainability
HP Inc. saw its Sustainable Impact programmes generate close to a $1Bn in new revenue in 2018, according to its recent report
WMT's 'Delivery
Walmart has quietly launched a test delivery competitor to Instacart’s Express, Target Shipt and Amazon's Prime Now service. The new subscription service, called “Delivery Unlimited,” will be available in 4 leading US cities
Amazon gives up
As Amazon retools its etail operations to grow its marketplace and shrink its first party delivery operations, several analysts have refreshed their perspective on its share of the market. We discuss how this will affect the business supplies market and the opportunities for independent resellers....
Huawei hit hard
China's Huawei Technologies founder Ren Zhengfei expects US sanctions to curtail its revenue by about $30Bn over the coming two years, wiping out the networking giant’s growth by withholding critical American technology.
Softcat's surge
Softcat CEO Graeme Watt tells CRN he sees 'no end in sight' for current digital transformation investment cycle and declares that the IT market is as 'good as he's ever seen it'.
Miller moves from
Leading furnituremaker Herman Miller has decided to move from NeoCon's iconic Merchandise Mart to chic Chicago's West Fulton Market, and nearby Knoll's showroom. We spoke weith CEO Andi Owen
Paper market
A perfect storm hits the printed paper market! The paperless office trend, the slowing global economy; higher producer prices; business users rejecting increases; have all killed demand. The market is awash with unwanted paper. We discuss what's next? Updated
Neocon: Flexible
The 51st Edition of NeoCon, the US leading interior design & furniture show at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago was held this week. We reviewed most of the exhibits & latest products. We highlight the best. Updated
Manutan makes
Paris based Manutan Group, a European multichannel business supply leader, recently reported steady growth for H1'19. It's back on the acquisition trail with the acquisition of a Dutch storage handling specialist. We speak with CEO Xavier Guichard
Verso Paper
Verso Paper, the $2.7Bn papermaker, has engaged financial advisers to evaluate strategic alternatives, including a possible merger or sale, while it conducts a search for a new CEO
"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