With Amazon still front of mind for many distributors, the news that the online retailer's latest B2B move could actually reduce the threat to the wholesale distribution industry caught our readers' attention. Topics related to e-commerce and M&A filled out the remainder of the top articles list this year.
Here are the Top 5 premium articles from MDM in 2015:
1. Amazon's B2B Move Reduces Threat
Just three years after its launch, the sun set on AmazonSupply. Earlier this year, Amazon unveiled Amazon Business, the B2B marketplace that not only replaces AmazonSupply but also reduces the competitive threat to distributors – including apparent targets such as Grainger, Fastenal and MSC Industrial – according to analysis from investment banking firm Robert W. Baird & Co.
2. Behind the Deal: Anixter & HD Supply
Anixter's $825 million acquisition of HD Supply's Power Solutions business was just one example of how some key players are streamlining their business offerings in order to improve profitability. This article looks at how the deal benefited both companies in this way.
3. Grainger Tackles the Data Challenge
Sales through online channels continue to grow for distributors. But even the biggest players with bigger investments face hurdles, including Grainger's data challenges that come from having such a broad portfolio and how to streamline the process for customers.
After a few years of a relatively quiet M&A landscape – albeit one punctuated by headline-making deals – activity in the distribution and manufacturing industries escalated in 2015. And the competition for good companies is as high as it's ever been, with strategic and financial buyers vying for many of the same targets.
5. 2015 State of E-Commerce in Distribution: E-Commerce on Path to Maturity
The fourth annual MDM distribution e-commerce survey conducted with Real Results Marketing revealed several key trends, from increased e-commerce revenues for many distributors to lowered barriers to entry for online sales. In addition, satisfaction with e-commerce sites continues to grow. This article looks at the results of the survey and provides a snapshot of e-commerce in wholesale distribution.
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