Facebook fails
Fortune magazine reports that Facebook workers have slammed CEO Mark Zuckerberg over US President's inflammatory posts on its platform. Pressure has mounted for social media to fact check information to the same standard as the news media
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
How'll distributors
"Aside from wondering which distributors will or won't be OK during this downturn, it's worth examining which markets are providing opportunities today and post Covid" opines supply chain group Afflink's VP Marketing Michael Wilson. We review and comment on histhoughts by market segment
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.
Amazon reasserts
"After losing some online shoppers to rivals during Covid, Amazon is turning back to faster shipping times and big sale offers" writes NYTimes Karen Weise. Yes Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Home Depot & Etsy recorded huge % sales growth, but in $ volume did they gain any ground v Godzilla? Updated
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
Can OT'Holesale
The tragic death rattle of Spicers, formerly Europe's most admired wholesaler, started in 2010. A lethal combo of incompetent management & ignorant vulture capitalists, killed the golden goose. Now under new parent Paragon, OT Wholesale has emerged as a wannabe Spicers, but without the trust and competence
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
'W o r k p l a c e'
Over recent years several attempts have been made to redefine the evolving office based market. The industrial 'Workplace' term has become a popular tag. Forget it! In the new ubiquitous mobile world, 'office' & 'business supply' are more relevant in meeting growing demand for 'personalized productivity services'
From Products
The 40yrs old OP industry has reached OPocalypse! Paper related supplies have declined for the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the broadline Business Supply market has grown at 4% pa featuring IT, hygiene, safety, ergonomics, refreshments, packaging & foodservice supplies. Progressives have responded, trad dealers have not. Here is your guide to the shifting landscape. Updated
"Tomorrow's News Today,
not yesterday's news tomorrow."
