eCommerce Archives

In 2013, Grainger surpassed $3 billion in sales from e-commerce channels, representing a third of total company sales. Paul Miller, vice president of global e-commerce for Grainger, spoke with Editor Lindsay Konzak about Grainger’s approach and plans for e-commerce.

This article includes:

How the distributor approaches e-commerce
Grainger's multichannel approach
Where Grainger sees opportunity with technology

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The State of E-Commerce in Distribution
Grainger's E-Commerce Evolution
Beyond Amazon: E-Commerce's Impact on Wholesale Distribution Markets

February 25, 2014

Companies

Summit Electric Supply Launches New Mobile Application

Summit Electric Supply's new app scans bar codes, instantly pulls up all information on product.

February 5, 2014

eCommerce

Survey: 70% of Distributors Plan to Invest in E-Commerce in 2014

But most distributors still view traditional competitors as a bigger threat than online-only players.

January 22, 2014

Companies

HD Supply White Cap Launches Mobile Site, App

HD Supply: 23% of online customer interaction comes from smartphones.

January 21, 2014

Companies

Access Now: Disruptive Technologies in Distribution in Latest Episode of Executive Briefing

From drones to 3D printing, new technologies may dramatically change distribution.

January 21, 2014

Companies

Survey: Distributors Fall Behind on Meeting Customer Technology Wishes

Demand for online customer service portals has risen, even as supply lags.

January 9, 2014

eCommerce

Tip: Don’t Give Customers a Reason to Leave

Customers have more options than ever before on how and where to shop.

January 2, 2014

Companies

Technology Challenges to Tackle in 2014

MDM readers identify their biggest technology challenges for the new year.

December 31, 2013

eCommerce

Top 10 Distribution Trends to Watch in 2014

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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Conflict Minerals Rule Has Unexpected Consequences for Distributors
Bridging the Value Gap
Amazon & Googles B-to-B Play

December 25, 2013

eCommerce

Top 10 Management Tips of 2013

List highlights the importance of executing critical business strategies better.

December 25, 2013

eCommerce

Commentary: Lions and Tigers and Drones, Oh My!

The distribution industry sometimes misjudges the short-term impact of disruptive events. Publisher Tom Gale's perspective provides his predictions on some recent disruptive announcements, including Amazon's plans for drone package delivery.

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The Growing Cost of Product Liability
The Counterfeit Challenge
Global Markets Are Not Just for Large Companies Anymore

December 10, 2013

eCommerce

Top articles highlight how improving technology has changed the competitive landscape.

December 10, 2013

eCommerce

Tip: Use Both Print Catalogs and E-Commerce to Reach Customers

A multichannel approach can be a powerful combination for sales and customer development.

December 5, 2013

Companies

Grainger Launches New Web Platform & iPad App

Customers can now begin a transaction in one medium and complete it in another.

November 19, 2013

Companies

HD Supply Waterworks Launches New Website

Visitors of hdswaterworks.com can also access two company specialty sites.

October 1, 2013

Companies

AmazonSupply and Google can compete in the B-to-B space in a few ways.

September 30, 2013

Companies

Amazon & Google’s B-to-B Play

Over the past two years, AmazonSupply.com and Google Shopping for Suppliers launched as new players in an already competitive B-to-B landscape. This article provides more details on these two platforms and examines their current and potential impact on the wholesale distribution industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities they bring. Distributors also spoke with MDM about what they are doing to stay relevant as business increasingly moves online.

This article includes:

The roles Amazon & Google are assuming in the B-to-B marketplace
Results from an MDM survey
Analysis of the impact of Amazon on distributor & manufacturer sales & profitability

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