Company looks to increase percentage of own brand in sales.
Eric Smith
Senior Editor Eric Smith is an award-winning business journalist whose coverage focus includes economic news and insights, industry trends, M&A, and analysis of small businesses and public companies across the wholesale distribution marketplace. Reach him at eric@mdm.com or 720-207-0335.
Posts By Eric Smith
But China's stagnation, looming Brexit pose big questions for U.S. economy.
Two years ago, Essendant rebranded from United Stationers to align its businesses under one operating platform and better position itself in a crowded marketplace. At the company’s show for suppliers and customers earlier this month in Las Vegas, NV, Bob Aiken, president and CEO, and Keith Dougherty, senior vice president of merchandising, inventory and pricing for office and facilities, spoke with MDM Associate Editor Eric Smith about the company’s recent strategic decisions.
This article includes:
- An overview of Essendant and its offerings
- The company's top goals as it enters foodservice sector
- The company’s refocused brand positioning
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Company sees pro customers as huge growth driver for 2017.
Company refocuses brand positioning, expands product categories.
Industry looks to regain footing after flat performance in 2016.
Bunzl also kicks off 2017 by adding pair of companies to portfolio.
Sales might be driving CRM, but buy-in from rest of company remains critical.
Robert W. Baird & Co., in partnership with Modern Distribution Management, conducted a survey of more than 500 distributors and manufacturers to gauge business trends and the outlook for the distribution industry in diverse sectors. Here is a summary of fourth-quarter 2016 results and distributor and manufacturer expectations for 2017.
This article includes:
- Revenue, inventory and pricing expectations
- Sector breakdown
- Analysis of trends affecting sales and operating performance
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- Top Trends for 2017
- 4Q2016 Financial Metrics & Trading Multiples
- Wholesale Distribution Disrupted, Part 2: Engage to Combat Disruption
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Company pushing for 30 percent increase in FAST machines this year.
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Despite 2016 ending on sour note, distributors hopeful for turnaround this year.
Uber, Amazon just two examples of how companies can change the rules.
A new year and new administration means new employment and labor laws. Distributors in 2017 will need to pay close attention to changes in the law, as well as to changes in generational expectations and needs. This article examines how to approach pressing HR matters while also keeping an eye on continual concerns.
This article includes:
- The importance of monitoring federal and local laws
- How to bolster HR to avoid legal issues
- Tailoring the workplace for millennials
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- What Millennials Want
- The New Realities of Training
- 5 Tips to Reduce the Cost of Employment
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Create employee handbook to cover yourself as much as possible.
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Company following through on CEO's promise to pursue targets.
Field sales, millennial recruiting top of mind for MDM readers.
Dearth of blockbuster activity sets tone for mild year in M&A.
Top distributors' successes and stumbles dominate this year's list.
With all the uncertainty, how well have you planned for 2017?
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- Changing Channels Demand New Models
- What Millennials Want
- Distribution Training Ground
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