Weekends sometimes provide the opportunity to catch up on reading, which has a tendency to stimulate the mind. So, to start your week, some things to ponder… Congratulations to Lutron’s Aurora wireless radio frequency lighting system and Leviton’s home entertainment […]
According to Steve Epner, Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group, “Data synchronization is one of the most significant opportunities for cost-savings in the electrical channel.”As many know, IDEA has helped many manufacturers and distributors to pursue this path, saving them thousands […]
Recently we spoke to a few purchasing people from large builders (production types like Ryan, Pulte, Centex, Toll). While they are suffering, all are doing some building. The goal of our discussion was to better understand their purchasing decision drivers […]
Private labeling and unbranded products could have unintended consequences. An emerging trend amongst “contract manufacturers” is the development of strategies to move up the value chain. Consider: A July 18th Wall Street Journal article entitled “Contract Manufacturers Shift to Brand […]
In a couple of words, “not much”. HD Supply has still been sold to private equity (at a significantly reduced price). Our thoughts is that, from an electrical perspective, HD Supply is over-weighted in the residential market; has a strong […]
We’ve had conversations with several analysts recently who have inquired about the electrical distribution industry. The conversations frequently turn to “what would happen to distributors if the economy slowed down?” While there are obvious revenue and profit implications, we discussed […]
Although the “pro” is defined as the residential market. According to ProSales, Ron Jarvis, SVP of pro business, tool rental and environmental innovation, said “The Home Depot’s target pro audience consists of three subgroups: the very small repair/remodeler who might […]
Rexel recently announced its second quarter/first half results. While company-wide organic growth was 4.5% and the company is actively seeking acquisitions (30 are in various stages worldwide), of interest is Rexel’s North American performance. Key North American highlights include: Sales […]
Everyone knows about the decline in new housing starts, the precipitous drop in housing sales and the consolidation of home building to regional and national builders. While the custom builder market represents opportunities, the “tract/production” builders are where the volume […]
