December 25, 2013 - Modern Distribution Management

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December 25, 2013

Top 10 Distribution Trends to Watch in 2014

eCommerce, Economic Trends, Management, Research & Analytics, Strategy, Subscriber Only, Technology /

The year 2013 was a mixed bag. Some distributors saw growth, but many saw less growth than they expected. It was a year of finally looking forward – reluctantly in some cases – to growth-inspired initiatives rather than efficiency-driven initiatives. Though lean operations were still top-of-mind for many and will continue to be important, interest seems to have increased in tools that would allow distributors to be more proactive in reaching the right customers in different ways: e-commerce, CRM and more.

This article, based on interviews with distributors and manufacturers and the 2013 MDM Industry Outlook Survey, outlines and analyzes key trends and issues affecting how distributors will do business in 2014.

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • Conflict Minerals Rule Has Unexpected Consequences for Distributors
  • Bridging the Value Gap
  • Amazon & Googles B-to-B Play
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Commentary: The Year That Will Be

Research & Analytics, Subscriber Only /

As 2013 comes to a close, Publisher Tom Gale's perspective shares his bold predictions for how 2014 will shape up to be a year filled with great opportunity.

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  • MDM Interview with Guy Blissett: Uncertainty + Change = Opportunity?
  • Where Managers Blunder
  • How Distributors Say They Measure Up to the Competition
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Forecast: Manufacturing Growth Expected

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics, Subscriber Only /

Economic growth in the U.S. will continue in 2014, say the nation’s purchasing and supply management executives in their December 2013 Semiannual Economic Forecast. Expectations are for a continuation of the economic recovery that began in mid-2009, as indicated in the monthly Institute for Supply Management’s Report on Business.

This article includes:

  • An overview of key indicators in the manufacturing sector
  • An overview of key indicators in the non-manufacturing sector
  • Outlook for 2014

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  • MDM Interview: Countering Price Pressure in Distribution
  • Go or No Go: The Value of Due Diligence
  • MDM Interview: Redefining Competitive Advantage
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Forecast: Manufacturing Growth Expected Read More »

MDM Industrial Inflation Index: November 2013

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics, Subscriber Only /

Modern Distribution Management's monthly Industrial Inflation Index measures a cross-section of industrial supplies.

This index includes:

  • Abrasives Products
  • Cutting Tools
  • Power Transmission Equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Valves, etc.
  • Power Tools
  • Material Handling Equipment
  • Belting
  • Hand Tools
  • Misc. Metal

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following related articles:

  • MDM 3Q13 Pricing Trends Report
  • MDM Interview with Guy Blissett: Uncertainty + Change = Opportunity?
  • Auto Industrys Return from Collapse
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MDM Industrial Inflation Index: November 2013 Read More »

Download this Issue in PDF: Dec. 25, 2013

Full Issue PDF, Subscriber Only /

This is the PDF of this issue of Modern Distribution Management.

Table of Contents:

  • Top 10 Trends to Watch in 2013
  • Commentary: The Year That Will Be
  • ISM Semiannual Forecast: Growth to Continue in 2014
  • Wholesale Trade Data: October 2013
  • MDM Industrial Inflation Index: November 2013
  • News Digest

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Download this Issue in PDF: Dec. 25, 2013 Read More »

Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: October 2013

Economic Trends, Research & Analytics, Subscriber Only /

Sales and inventories data for wholesaler-distributors in October 2013.

This article includes:

  • Wholesale trade revenues for durable and nondurable goods in October 2013
  • Monthly inventories/sales ratio for the industry
  • Sales & inventory trends for durable and nondurable goods

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Not a subscriber? Subscribe below or learn more. Subscribers also have access to the following articles:

  • Distribution Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples: November 2013
  • Distribution Profitability Case Study
  • Building on Already Profitable Business
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Monthly Wholesale Trade Data: October 2013 Read More »

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