Distributors Archives

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Stuffing Your Warehouse

David Gordon Posted On October 29, 2007

Historically many manufacturers, after reviewing their current year performance, will send out 2008 price increase notices in November/December, and then send their sales people out to “cut” year end “deals” with the intent to “help” the distributor meet their purchase […]

Awards / Distributors

City of Champions

David Gordon Posted On October 26, 2007

Sorry to all of our Yankee, Cubs and Ohio fans, but need to send congratulations to the city of champions… The Red Sox look like they could be baseball’s champs for the second time in four years The Patriots appear […]

Distributors / Industry Consolidation

Did CED Blow the Whistle to Start the Acquisition Frenzy?

David Gordon Posted On October 17, 2007

Many industry observers will recall when Branch Electric sold to Rexel in the spring of 2000. A number of distributors asked themselves what Chuck Steiner knew that they didn’t. Some openly felt that Steiner sold “at the top of the […]

Channel Strategies / Customer Service / Distributors / Growth Strategies / Logistics / Profitability

Will RDC / CDCs add profit to CED?

David Gordon Posted On October 16, 2007

CED and USESI issued a press release October 9th that may indicate a change in business models for CED. But then again they may be setting up a successful division that will continue to grow because of the business model […]

Channel Strategies / Customer Segments / Distributors / Growth Strategies / Industry Consolidation

Hagemeyer in Play

David Gordon Posted On October 10, 2007

You may have heard that Hagemeyer received an unsolicited offer from Sonepar and that reportedly Rexel also has some interest. And with Hagemeyer planning to meet with Sonepar to “clarify” the offer, it wouldn’t surprise us to see some type […]

Distributors / Growth Strategies / Pricing / Profitability / Purchasing / Supplier / Products

The Media Hype of Private Labeling

David Gordon Posted On October 2, 2007

Interesting how the mass media can heighten visibility of trade issues.This summer’s product recalls by Mattel increased interest in private labeling. Occurring shortly after issues with pet food, toothpaste and tires, many questioned if private labeling is a wise decision […]

Advocacy / Branding / Customer Segments / Distributors / Growth Strategies / Industry Consolidation / Industry News / Lighting / Lighting2 / Marketing / Supplier / Products

Will Distributors Lose the CFL Market?

David Gordon Posted On September 20, 2007

Energy efficiency is coming to the home.For years, the knock on CFLs was the price and the form. When CFLs were not price competitive with incandescents, many said the product category wouldn’t take off. But all this is changing.Over the […]

Channel Strategies / Contractors / Customer Segments / Distributors / eBusiness / Growth Strategies / Industrial Market / Industry Consolidation / Industry News

What the NEW HD Supply Sale Might Mean for Electrical Distributors

David Gordon Posted On August 27, 2007

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 […]

Contractors / Distributors / Productivity / Profitability

DSO’s … A Leading Resi & Commercial Indicator

David Gordon Posted On August 27, 2007

For several weeks bank economist have hinted while they are not projecting outright recession or inflation, the sub-prime mortgages have touched off slow down in the US economy. With tightening credit rules and huge increase in foreclosures, there continues to […]

Channel Strategies / Customer Segments / Distributors / Growth Strategies / Industry Consolidation / Industry News / Manufacturers / Sales Channel

Acquisition Opportunities Abound in Changing Market

David Gordon Posted On August 17, 2007

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 […]