What Lies Ahead in Q4 and 2021?

While the future is unknown and no one knows what lies ahead, hopefully the momentum generated in Q3 can continue, at least to some degree.

It’s hard to believe that Q2 was only 90 days ago. Seems like ages but that is how the year has gone (which begs the question, did the year start in January or on March 15th?)

Q3 for many appears to have been a good year. Feedback we’ve heard is:

• Price competitive
• Supply chain / inventory and shipping issues
• Lots of quotations
• Residential strong
• Competitive market resulting in tight margins
• Industrial slow
• Large construction pretty slow except for existing projects
• Some contractors seeking to accelerate projects

And our recently concluded Pulse of Lighting survey affirms many of these findings, albeit about the lighting market.

So, the quarter was good, however, this was expected as it had to be better than Q2, summertime is typically a good construction season, many industrials did maintenance during the lockdown season and some are trying to accelerate work. Further, the residential market has been strong. So, nationally good except for those impacted by wildfires and hurricanes (although rebuilding will eventually help these markets.)

We’ve had a number of people ask us for our Q3 observations and, perhaps more importantly, seeking input regarding Q4 (which many have some concern due to the uncertainty of COVID) and preliminary outlook for 2021.

Rather than share based upon conversations, Channel Marketing Group, DISC and other supporting organizations have again teamed up for a COVID-inspired survey. This time we’re asking about your Q3 performance, Q4 expectations and 2021 outlook. Additionally we’re inquiring about distribution visitation policies, manufacturer and rep outbound sales activities as well as planned 2021 activities. The survey is open to all electrical distributors, manufacturers, lighting agents and manufacturer representatives.

All input is confidential and, in appreciation of your input, respondents can request a complimentary copy of the report, which will be available in early October.

We’re asking for your input by September 29th.

Let us know what you are thinking lies ahead