Page 212 – Electrical Trends

Branding / Channel Strategies / eBusiness / eMarketing / Growth Strategies / Industry News / Manufacturers / Sales Channel

Your Manufacturer as Your Competitor

David Gordon Posted On September 12, 2007

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 […]

eBusiness / Productivity / Profitability / Technology

Improving Productivity and Profits through Invoicing

David Gordon Posted On September 10, 2007

With the economy tightening, contractor DSO’s increasing, and margins continuing to be squeezed, the need to streamline processes and turn each department into a profit center (or less of a profit drain) becomes more critical. When this can be combined […]

Associations / eBusiness / Pricing / Productivity

An IDEA with Vision?

David Gordon Posted On September 4, 2007

Received a couple of interesting emails/press releases over the weekend, on the same topic, but with different messages. Both announced that Mike Rioux, president of IDEA, was leaving the company to “pursue other career opportunities”. The IDEA issued press release […]

124

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 […]

Channel Strategies / Contractors / Customer Segments

HD Still Wants to “Own the Pro”

David Gordon Posted On August 15, 2007

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 […]

Channel Strategies / Customer Segments / Distributors

Rexel’s Disappointing North American Performance

David Gordon Posted On August 13, 2007

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 […]

Distributors / Industry Consolidation

HD Supply Becomes a Good Buy?

David Gordon Posted On August 10, 2007

Home Depot announced that it “is in discussions with affiliates of Bain Capital Partners, The Carlyle Group and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice for the purpose of restructuring the previously announced agreement for the sale of HD Supply. These discussions could […]

Customer Segments / Distributors / Growth Strategies / Logistics / Productivity / Reps / Research Reports / Technology

Utilizing Innovation to Grow Sales & Profits

David Gordon Posted On August 7, 2007

With the future looking a little less rosy given the turmoil in the credit markets which is impacting all levels of housing, the beginnings of a slowdown in the light commercial project market, Herm Isenstein’s 2008 electrical economic outlook (previewed […]