Over the past six months we’ve seen a number of distributors upgrade their websites – either the “look and feel”, evolve to a webstore or upgrade both. Why the investments? Because these distributors recognize that “table stakes” for at least […]
This week’s NAED Western was a very active event with surprisingly a good amount of optimism by distributors and manufacturers. The event was well attended with 775 registrants, which makes the Western conference the largest NAED event. Interestingly there were […]
Last week Acuity shared their FY 2019 Q1, fall 2018, performance. From a macro sales viewpoint, Acuity’s sales performance was good with a net sales increase of 11%, outperforming our Q4 Pulse of Lighting overall market projections (which are strictly […]
Last week we shared thoughts on 10 channel dynamics that are impacting, and will have a greater influence in 2019. To reiterate, these dynamics are: Whose brand is valuable? Size matters Manufacturers support channels, but you? Products or Customers? What […]
Just before the holidays we launched our Q4 Pulse of Lighting survey to gain industry insights about market performance during Q4. We had over 200 distributor, manufacturer and sales agents respond. And as most know, the market was “eventful” in […]
As we turn the page into 2019, welcome to new opportunities, new challenges, new initiatives and perhaps some new ways of doing business / serving your customers to ensure a record 2019 … whatever your goals may be. While we […]
Every year there is much talk about M&A (mergers and acquisitions). Some companies forecast it into their budget. For some it is part of their culture to always be seeking opportunities. Some it is a new growth venture. But each […]
As we come to the end of the year, the lighting market, from an activity standpoint, continues to remain strong in most markets. Perhaps due to concern about future tariff-driven price increases, perhaps from benefits due to tax inducements, perhaps […]
Over the past few months there have been a number of economists and analysts who have shared their projections for 2019 regarding the overall economy. Inevitably, with the topics of tariffs, increased interest rates and no artificial fiscal stimulus (i.e […]
Earlier this month NAED started its meeting season with the NAED Eastern, which was held in Marco Island. Meeting attendance appeared to be somewhat “challenged” as the AD and IMARK annual meetings directly preceded the NAED meeting and Rockwell’s Automation […]
