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
T o u c h l e s s
Bubble Wrap maker Sealed Air and Simplehuman CEOs are preparing for a touchless future #BeyondCovid. Experts say consumers will make contactless experiences and sanitizing a part of daily life
KP Tissue rolls
KP Tissue (previously known as Kruger), the Canada based leading international brand tissue maker, continued to win share in the US consumer & business supply market with its quality brands drive, boosted by price rises
Domtar paper
Leading US papermaker Domtar Corporation continued to decline in Q1'20. Complacent CEO John Williams has closed mills and is an active protectionist with ITC to limit and penalize importers. Where is the reinvention programme in packaging or hygiene supplies?
Ricoh reacts to
Leading printer brand maker Ricoh is considering its future plans under a 'Resurgent' tag, given the sliding demand in its core printer sales. Can it truly convert itself into 3D/MPS printing/workspace design powerhouse?
Sappi's sapping
Sappi, the South African based international papermaker, reported another set of disappointing results. Whilst acknowledging the business is under pressure what is CEO Steve Binnie's (pic left) reinvention strategy?
LSC Comms: Lost,
Messy conglomerate LSC Communications, parent of old OP brandmakers graveyard (TOPS, Ampad, Pendaflex, Quality Park) reported steeper sales decline & losses in Q1'20. Complacent CEO Tom Quinlan has been in denial since the split from RRDonnelley and its terminal tailspin inevitably led to failure
Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain (IRM), ex-global leader in info' services reported steady Q1'20 results. CEO Bill Meaney's opaque reporting seems geared to disguise its decline with reactionary late moves into digital & cloud storage.
Cascades Tissue
Leading Canadian tissue & board maker Cascades reported higher sales growth in the Covid boosted hygiene market. CEO Mario Piourde's optimism was obviously dented by the pandemic's continuing spread in Q2
Insight Group
Insight Group CEO Ken Lamneck (pic left) reported declining organic sales in Q1'20 boosted by the fellow struggler PCM acquisition. The group lags leading IT resellers e.g. CDW, Compucenter, Softcat & Synnex. Can it really become a serious competitor whilst it focuses on integration?
Energizer regains
Energizer Holdings the enterprising personal care & battery supplier to businesses, reported an organic sales decline in Q2'20 boosted by a major acquisition, It seems to have regained some battery power with extra distribution and stockpiling
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