Bouncebackability
Reports are all in for Business Supply players in Q4'22. Predictably they show inflated profits but weak sales recovery v pre-Covid 'norm' Q4'19. Proficiency Index reports the Leaderboard of makers, wholesalers & dealers' 'Bouncebackability' performance. It covers 100 leading paper & printer makers, hygiene, foodservice and packaging suppliers, OP/furnituremakers and retailers Updated
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 Q4'22 analysis is almost complete with brand volumes slowing, boosted by double-digit price hikes. Updated for KPTissue, Sappi & Suzano. Diversey delayed to 22Mar
Top 50 Women
Marketing to businesses by brandmakers & resellers was traditionally dominated by men. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Proficiency Index recognises the most successful women leaders. This is 16th edition of 'Top 50 Women in Business Supply', the market's real growth achievers, including new entrants from progressive independent dealers.
Office Mkt Legends
It's 10yrs since the top OP mega-independent dealer champs Lyreco's Eric Bigeard and WBMason's Leo Meehan met with Staples CEO Ron Sargent in Boston. We reflected on past glories, Covid, digital transformation and looked forward to a 'hybrid office productivity' future..Updated
Hybrid work future
The contrast in opinions over the 'hybrid work future' & the 'return to work', is stark. New thinking is positive about the huge rise in entrepreneurial productivity. Old thinking believes a return to corporate office control is inevitable. Are corporations underestimating the hollowing out of office space; the time waste and the need to trust workers' motives? Updated
Cascades Tissue
Cascades, the leading Canada based, tissue & packaging boardmaker reported inflation boosted results in Q4'22. CEO Mario Piourde's optimism has been fueled the growing strength of business tissue sales, underscored by buoyant packaging demand especially in foodservice
MacFarlane packs
UK packaging giant MacFarlane Group reported strong growth in FY'22 fuelled by inflation plus an important protective packaging acquisitions. CEO Peter Atkinson commented on progress, market prospects and details of its latest acquisition and pipeline...
FEMSA's Envoy:
FEMSA the $27Bn Mexican based convenience store & fuel station chain (Oxxo) shocked business supply markets last week, stating it was "exploring strategic alternatives" over it's $2Bn Envoy rollup of US hygiene and packaging resellers. We explore the strategic options available to the conglomerate. We feel this will not play out without major difficulties ahead... Updated
Instagram: inverted
A new analysis of social media activity by Rival IQ released today across 14 markets found Instagram and Facebook engagement activity has been dropping dramatically. One big positive from the study was the ever-increasing popularity of live short-video content on e.g. Twitter on sports
Target bets big
Target, the $100Bn+ sales US retailer, is investing $100m in a local network of delivery hubs to speed up same day delivery. CEO Brian Cornell is doubling down on online ordering service of essentials in food, bevs & WFH categories to enhance its personalised Shipt delivery service
Fellowes airs Array:
Much admired hygiene & wellness products maker Fellowes Brands has made an exciting start to 2023 with the launch of Array "The most advanced networked air quality system" and the opening of its new 'Design & Experience Center' at Fulton Market, Chicago alongside brand interiors' leaders MillerKnoll, Teknion etc. We talk to ceo John Fellowes about 2023 progress and plans Tomorrow
Brands 'shrinkflate'
From toilet paper to snacks, original brandmakers are exploiting the inflationary environment by increasing prices or sneakily reducing pack sizes/quantities aka 'Shrinkflation'. Mondelez ceo Dirk van Put admitted as such, in an interview with CNBC this morning. We highlight current examples of this practice in the broader business supply market...
HomeDepot down;
Home Depot the $157Bn+ home & small business improvement reseller reported Q4'22 results. It has benefited from WFH trends, but volumes were down, offset by higher prices. CEO Ted Decker commented on the strong growth of its PRO supply business with SMB/traders. Updated with Q&A analysis
Walmart walking
Ex-#1 global retailer Walmart reported steady volume growth but weaker profits in Q4'23. It continued to ape Amazon's initiatives in vain and benefited from higher ticket prices, CEO Doug McMillon's comments appear complacent, given opaque and weaker ecommerce activity. We analyse commentary + analysts Q&A session. Updated
Shopify Promise
Shopify, the #2 MCommerce platform for business supply entrepreneurs is expanding its 'Shop Promise' program to all eligible U.S. merchants over the next few months, President Harley Finkelstein said on an earnings call last Wednesday
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