Details

26 Sep 23

Updated: 26 Sep 23

Costco: growth
grinds below +5%

Traffic up. Prices down!
Sales +60% v norm 2019

Costco the $230Bn+ international  home & business supplier's growth slowed from its double-digit roll in 2022. "Store traffic steadied with flat ticket values" said ceo Craig Jelenik. However, its logistics acquisition drove lower cost and faster service". Report analysis here plus Q&A session tomorrow

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26 Sep 23

Updated: 26 Sep 23

Aldi argues "Private
Label to dominate"

Biased based on <10%
range is original brand?

German owned supermarkets Aldi and Lidl have grown rapidly in recent tears to grab a 20% market share. Aldi UK chief Giles Hurley stated: "Britain is shopping very differently to how it did 18 months ago — fewer trips, more own-label products, and switching supermarkets in search of better value.” How are leaders Tesco and Sainsbury's responding? 

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20 Sep 23

Updated: 21 Sep 23

FedEx fails from 

faulty leadership 

Losing market share. Cuts
costs and customer service

FedEx ceo Raj Subramaniam opaquely reported again on disappointing Q1'24 results. Huge price hikes boosted sales, but disguised serious market share losses to UPS & Amazon.The 'market cap gap' between similar sized UPS is now $72Bn. The future is bleak for arrogant, cost cutting 'new boss, same as the old boss'; who blames the economy,  not incompetent execution. Full analysis here

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17 Sep 23

Updated: 20 Sep 23

AMZN routes FedEx,
UPS shipping rates

Top carriers' 'cartel' practices
exposed by logistics leader

The continuous 'cartel culture' practised by FedEx and UPS over the last 10 years looks under serious threat from the new logistics leader Amazon. Their annual +6-8% shipping rates increases accelerated to double digits during Covid. penalising businesses and users.  Amazon's straightforward lower rates and fast claims resolution are expected to be a big winner through Christmas

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6 Sep 23

Updated: 6 Sep 23

FTC to file Antitrust
case vs Amazon 

Anticompetitive actions
re-Pvt label & paid subs

The Federal Trade Commission lawsuit is expected to focus on some of Amazon's business practices, such as its Fulfillment by Amazon logistics program and pricing by third-party sellers, the Wall Street Journal said. The suit is expected to recommend that it make "structural remedies" that may include breaking up the e-commerce giant!?

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22 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

Lowes slows down

from WFH highs

Losing market share vs
HDepot & Ace H/Ware?

Lowes the US #2 $100Bn sales WFH improvement supplier reported Q2'23 financial results. CEO Marvin Ellison commented on a slower than expected performance except recovering PRO Services segment serving SMB-trades people, but made no mention on losing market share to Home Depot and Ace 

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16 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

Ace's pace picks
up in WFH mkt

Dealer group increases
market share v bigboxes

Ace Hardware the leading dealer owned, home improvement cooperative, reported stronger growth in Q2'23. The best practice model group, increased market share vs Home Depot & Lowes, proving the power of personalized marketing and convenience over a buying group mentality. Full results analysis here....

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16 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

Target:high ticket
ride trends lower

'Essentials' ordered online,
delivered same-day steady

Target, the $109Bn+ sales US retailer, reported slower results in Q2'23 results. CEO Brian Cornell described strong online ordering in food, beverages & WFH categories from its personalized Shipt same day delivery service. Full management commentary and analysis here

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15 Aug 23

Updated: 28 Aug 23

HomeDepot slow;

AvgTkt prices flat

PRO stalls after resilient
return. WFH refits softer

Home Depot the $150Bn+ home office & small business improvement reseller reported a Q2'23 results decline. It has benefited from strong WFH trends, but volumes fell slightly, with flat average ticket prices. CEO Ted Decker commented on sa slowdown in its PRO supply business with SMB traders. Report analysis complete; inc. analysts' Q&A session

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11 Aug 23

Updated: 11 Aug 23

Deloitte's BTSchool
2023 Spend Survey

Will price inflation force
parents to cut back?

Inflation is central to Deloitte's 16th Annual Back-to-School (BtS) Survey. Although parents and students endured higher prices last year for replenishing products after Covid, 18 months of inflation have changed their tune. Does this reflect business suppliers experience? We check...