Tariffying Tariffs
Many US voters support the tariffs the Trump Administration imposed on imports from China, Mexico etc. However, over half of US distributors & makers actively oppose them according to the latest Industrial Distribution survey.
Amazon & FedEx
FedEx Express is cutting ties with Amazon for its $900m+ annual domestic deliveries contract. Is this legendary CEO Fred Smith's conclusion to his constant criticism of the etailers' accelerating service demands?
Personalisation
The majority of executives interviewed in a survey conducted by Forbes Insights and Arm Treasure Data say artificial intelligence and machine-learning technology are important in executing their personalization strategy for growth....
Staples revives
Staples announced the launch of 'Studio', a refresh of co-working spaces for small businesses first introduced in 2013. First stores include retail locations in Brighton, Danvers and Norwood (Massachusetts)
B&Noble bailed
Barnes & Noble is nearing a deal to be bought by hedge fund Elliott Management Corp., as the nation’s largest bookstore chain seeks a new owner following years of deep decline. Will the new owner develop or destruct?
Productivity in
Both US & UK productivity growth has accelerated and is increasing faster than government stats suggest. The ubiquity
of personal technolgy makesthe trad 'manufacturing index' measurement doubtful in the burgeoning new services & gig economies
Misco Brand
UK Computer Group has acquired the naming rights of former European tech reseller Misco, with the new business to launch next month from its original office base in Wellingborough,
E g a n R e i d
Egan Reid, one of the leading UK office resellers has made its 4th acquisition across the northern counties. Each takeover has been complementary in its service specialty, adding to its broadline business appeal....
When will half-
In 1993, US#1 wholesaler United led the 'stockless dealer' revolution. Most progressive dealers in US/UK followed. Today, only Amazon & Essendant to a lesser extent, maintain a broadline business supplies service. Meanwhile, the 'narrowliners' are failing, threatening small dealers' survival. We review latest positions... Complete
'Come Buy with
US #1 megadealer WBMason commenced its 2019 series of consumer shows in Philadelphia yesterday. 'The Come Buy with Me' theme continue in Baltimore, Cleveland, Boston and Foxwoods over the Summer/Fall season. We spoke with marketing director Matt Rogers. Full report here
"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