H o w N o w
VOW, the leading UK OP wholesaler, part of the EVO Group, continued its 10yr long decline in 2021 in spite of acquisitions, the collapse of rival Spicers; and ignorantly missed, broadline business supply expansion opportunities. Moreover, losses continued. What happened to VC owner Endless' much lauded investment in growth initiatives?
Healthy Hygiene
Hygiene is now #1 business supply category alongside technology. Progressive business suppliers: brandmakers, dealers have pivoted into hygiene, safety, foodservice & packaging, WFH-tech & wellness services. Proficiency Index Q3'22 analysis is nearing completion with brands' volumes slowing, boosted by double digit price hikes. Complete
Can dealers pass
We've written exhaustively about the need for OP dealers to convert from 'transactional' product suppliers to 'personalised productivity services' providers inc. hygiene, foodservice & packaging. Amazon is winning the transactional battle with same day delivery of broadline business supplies to WFH users. Can dealers pass the 3pt conversion test? We discuss and highlight the best practice services providers? Complete
Industrial supply
Q3'22 financial reports for leading industrial supply distributors are nearing completion e.g. Fastenal, Motion, MSC, Grainger, Wesco, Arrow, Berry, DXP show double-digit sales growth boosted by price hikes; and higher profits. Proficiency Index reviews the performance of the Top 20 US distributors in 2022 with insightful analysis and discussion with leaders, progress and plans for 2023. Updated
'OPeless, OPaque
Proficiency Index is reaching the conclusion of Q3'22 reports analysis. It has become obvious that many OP market CEO's, who have failed to reinvent their companies, are in denial; and desperately trying to mislead the market over their incompetence. We highlight the Top 10 losers and contrast with Top 10 winners...
Insight recovery
Insight Group ceo Joyce Mullen reported a stready recovery in organic sales in Q3'22. The group lags leading IT resellers e.g. CDW, Computacenter, Softcat & Synnex. There are positive signs of growth as it plays catch up.
Envoy packages
The hygiene & packaging market rages with M&A activity happening weekly! Advent's Imperial Dade & FEMSA's Envoy Solutions lead the way in rolling up regional jansan dealers. Envoy ceo Mark Fisher just announced a Pennsylvania packaging supplies acquisition (total +26 to date) moving it towards $1.8Bn sales...
Lenovo leads in
The international PC & mobile giant Lenovo reported steady growth results in Q2'23, extending its lead as #1 PC maker. "The Mobile group along with the growing Services group progressed aided by inflationary price increases" reported ceo Yuanqing Yang
Glorious Spicers'
Yesterday former leaders of ex OP#1 European wholesaler Spicers from the glorious 80-90's era, met together for the first time in London, since 2000. Stewart Superior's MD Geoff Betts was a special guest at the reunion lunch with Eric Smith, Bill Armstrong and Peter Frost. Wholesalers may die. Wholesaling never! Everything's changed, but nothing's changed!
Diversey's drive
Diversey, the $2.6Bn in sales, international hygiene & infection protection provider reported stronger results in Q3'22. Growing sales in the food & beverage market was supplemented by recovering institutional demand. CEO Phil Wieland was optimistic about future growth ...
Arrow maintains
Arrow Electronics, the $36Bn in sales global provider of IT products, services reported strong sales growth from a tough market in 2019/20 . The new ceoSean Kerins commented on the growth in global components fueled by higher prices.
IronMount'n scales
Iron Mountain ex-global leader in document services reported steady Q2'22 results. CEO Bill Meaney's opaque, minimalistic but hyped up reporting seems geared to disguise reactionary late moves in digital & cloud storage. Acquisitions and high price increases continue to hide real volume progress....
Kimball's office
Kimball International, the hospitality, health care & office furnituremaker announced a powerful recovery in office sales and orders for its Q1'23. "The National brand of furniture is fueling growth recovery, but hospitality market demand is still depressed" commented ceo Kristie Juster
One Wesco wired
WESCO the enlarged $16Bn (inc. Anixter acq Jun'20) #1 US provider of electrical, security and MRO supplies, reported increased organic sales in Q3'22, boosted by double digit price increases. CEO John Engel reported on powerful strategic progress including integration plans
Wayfair wayward;
Wayfair, the $12Bn US/UK home & office furnishings etailer, reported its 6th consecutive quarter sales decline in Q3'22. The Covid lockdown proved a huge WFH sales boost to business customers, now in freefall. Can ceo Niraj Shah turnaround its fortunes?
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