WFH Winners
Amazon's amazing 40% growth to reach $10Bn in business supplies during the Covid quarter exposed the huge deficiencies in service levels from traditional OP dealers. Amazon became the default 'first call' supplier for 'Everything WFH supplies'. In spite of its dominance, many responsive progressive dealers pivoted powerfully to the new immediate market standards. We highlight the winners....Updated
Less means more
There's no doubt after 5mos of Covid lockdown & 'WFH' that future trends have been brought forward. Consider the acceleration in technology use by all ages: MCommerce, less commuting, Zoom meetings & conferences; hygiene, safety, health & wellness awareness; protective packaging. Moreover the shift towards a greener more sustainable world. We discuss the trends. Updated
Print/papermakers
Most leading OP, Paper & Print makers reported severe sales declines in Q2'20. Printer Paper demand is down 60%+ since 2008; another -30% in Q2;the shift to hygiene and packaging is huge. We analyse Q2 results. Updated today for Domtar
Deceitful Depot
Newly named ODP Corporation (ex-Office Depot-OfficeMax), sank at a deepening rate in Q2'20. OP core sales were crushed with hygiene essentials in retail & online softening the decline. We analyse CEO Gerry 'Smudger' Smith's hollow & misleading commentary and update on the 'white knight' life saver.
Will SPR investors
After many failed attempts Genuine Parts finally sold SPRichards to an Investor Group led by TSR's enterprising chief Yancey Jones (pic left). What's the plan? Will it continue a buying group bias or invest in broadline business supply to compete with Amazon? We review
Print/papermakers
Most leading OP, Paper & Print makers reported severe sales declines in Q2'20. Printer Paper demand is down 60%+ since 2008; another -30% in Q2;the shift to hygiene and packaging is huge. We analyse Q2 results. Updated today for Domtar
Print/papermakers
Most leading OP, Paper & Print makers have reported severe sales declines in Q1'20 to date. Printer Paper demand is down 60%+ since 2008; the exodus to hygiene and packaging is huge. We analyse the market and update on a daily basis. Updated for Konica Minolta today
B2B marketing
Even experienced and seasoned OP pro's don’t seem to get that B2B and B2C marketing distinctions are dead! Resellers need to reach decision makers now, not just commodity buyers. That means personalised marketing beyond the buyer Sally to the lovely user chooser Lucy...like Amazon and progressive dealers do.
The Rise & Rise of
MPS is dying! Long live "Managed Technology Services' providers that drive productivity improvement for customers. We profile the Top 8 resellers that are leading the US market and making regional acquisitions to fuel expansion...
Paper/printmakers'
Most of the leading OP, Paper & Print makers reported continued sales declines in Q4'19. We analyse the market, comparative performance and any plans for reinvention. Paper demand is plunging double-digits with no price hikes to disguise the deceleration, now down 60% since 2008... Updated for LSC Comms today
Top Tech VAR
CRN has published its annual review of top tech resellers aka managed service providers. In addition, invaluable research on end user needs and attitudes towards suppliers. We highlight the business supply leaders and discuss why productivity driven dealers are back in vogue
Top FoodService
The US FoodService market (exc. food) is estimated at $300Bn+ and has grown at 3-4% over recent years. Some of the leading progressive business suppliers are making early inroads. We study the Top 20 players, rising stars and leaders' forecasts for 2020
2020 Predictions:
What will happen with Amazon, Apple, Staples, Essendant, SPR, Depot, WBMason, HP/Xerox, Uber, Imperial Dade, SPOT (Spicers-OfficeTeam), EVO/VOW, Westcoast, dealers, groups, wholesalers, manufacturers in 2020. Here are our predictions.... Complete
Top Innovators.
Fast Company & Time magazinesrecently reviewed the most innovative companies of 2019; and Forbes magazine the best breakthrough innovations. We feature the most innovative leaders and best innovations in the business supply/personal productivity marketplace…Complete
Best Performers
The #OPocalypse aka perfect storm impacting the office supply market had its most damaging affect in 2019. Even the more powerful, progressive broadline business suppliers had a tough year; Amazon's high growth rate halved & regional indies only expanded via acquisitions. Proficiency Index reviews best performers in each category. Updated
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not yesterday's news tomorrow."
