In recent market research we heard that many feel that the overall size of their current market has, and is, shrinking, thus leading to price wars and hence margin deterioration. While much of this can be attributed to the economy, […]
Last month we surveyed the industry about its outlook, and challenges, for 2008. Over 400 people responded! Over the next month or so we’ll be sharing some of the results, but to get the year started we wanted to share […]
Usually the weeks surrounding the holidays are quiet as everyone tries to catch up on paperwork while at the same time complete (or start) preparations for 2008. This year was different as 6 items of significance occurred. In no particular […]
Twas a few days before Christmas and all appeared to be quiet as the industry headed into the New Year. Not much business was to be had as contractors tried to keep warm. Industry warehouses are full, preparing for sales, […]
The biggest challenge for many companies is quality personnel…how to recruit them, train them and retain them. Talent is a company’s greatest asset. As the effort expended in HR grows, combined with continued regulatory and administrative issues, HR departments will […]
Had an interesting conversation with a distributor today. We were talking about arc flash and the ability of his sales organization to initiate arc flash discussions, and solutions, with his customers. While he felt that some of them could, his […]
With an eye towards a slow growth economy, recently we launched a three part series in Electrical Wholesaling entitled “Back to Basics”. The premise is that in a slow growth economy it is important to “tighten” the back of the […]
Over the past few weeks there have been a few acquisitions that have the capability of significantly impacting the industry’s landscape. Hagemeyer – Rexel: While this was a “mega” deal, the resulting spin-off of selected Hagemeyer assets to Sonepar will […]
According to last week’s Home Channel News, as reported by Industrial Distribution magazine, HD Supply will be selling their lumber and building materials division to Pro-Build Holdings. While these businesses were concentrated in Georgia and Florida, where the residential business […]
Over the past year, we’ve conducted a number of national and regional contractor surveys where we asked them “Why do you buy from the distributors you purchase from?”Selections included: Relationship with people Overall service Product Availability Price Location Company I […]
