In a market that many economist project to be flat for a while, manufacturers and distributors are looking at their back office to identify where they can gain efficiencies. Many companies rely on older ERP systems and only utilize between […]
In a challenging / uncertain market, it’s always nice to have customers who publicly commit to spending money. We’re not talking about commercial or residential projects, but renovation opportunities.An aspect of the market that continues to provide opportunities is the […]
A little bit of a “mishmash” of things we’ve been thinking and seeing recently that we’d like your thoughts on marketing funds, Infor and GE Automation (and Industrial). Marketing Funds (Co-op and MDF) – distributors love them (and think they […]
It appears that companies in a number of industries are starting to shop … for other companies. Witness Dell buying Perot, Kraft making an offer to Cadbury, Emerson buying Avocent, Lewis Goetz buying International Gasket, HD Supply and ORCO Construction […]
If you sell to the government (directly or through a GSA), work with contractors who sell to the government or are providing materials for any ARRA (American Recovery & Reinvestment Act … stimulus funds) you may have been asked to […]
As distributors seek niche opportunities to capture any amount of business, many are turning to what is perceived as one of the few growth areas … energy efficiency.The energy efficiency market has a number of components and sub-segments. Two areas […]
Lately we’ve been talking to a number of manufacturers about what they are seeing in the market and what their initially planning thoughts are for 2010.While most feel that the market has stabilized (and in some cases seeing a little […]
Years ago the electrical industy viewed Home Depot as a major threat. First it was a case of DIY customers and smaller contractors leaving electrical distributors for a more convenient retail experience and most recently it was Home Depot’s foray […]
We’re hearing from a number of sources that a number of the national chains, specifically Graybar, WESCO and Rexel (and possibly more) are selectively closing branches, primarily in what one manufacturer calls the “sand states” (Southwest / West Coast). This […]
David Gordon
Channel Marketing Group
919-488-8635
