US producer prices were flat in November after a 0.4% drop in October, according to the Labor Department. Year-over-year producer prices increased 0.9%, ticking downward from 1.2% a month earlier and continuing a steady decline. The core producer price index, which excludes food, energy and trade service components, increased 0.1% from the previous month and 2.5% from a year earlier.

Grainger announced plans to sell its E&R Industrial Sales subsidiary to Los Angeles-based Paradigm Equity Partners. Grainger acquired the metalworking product specialist in 2013, and it has remained a separate brand over the past decade. Both brand's customers will continue to have access to each company's items. Sale terms were not disclosed.

Excluding gas, autos and restaurants, retail sales rose 4.17% in November from the same month last year and 0.73% from October, according to the new monthly Retail Monitor data from NRF, CNBC and Affinity Solutions. Holiday spending for November and December will likely fall within 3% to 4% growth in a return to pre-pandemic levels.

Buyers are increasingly demanding a more seamless omnichannel experience from distributors that allows them to easily move across channels, writes Jon Byrd of Sikich. To provide such an experience, distributors will need an integrated system with up-to-date data and connected sales channels, advanced ecommerce capabilities and consistency across channels, Byrd writes.

Walmart will keep investing in technology as scan-and-go becomes popular at Sam's Club and automated pallet storage cuts costs, according to Walmart Chief Financial Officer John Rainey. "We've been known for being a brick-and-mortar retailer," Rainey said. "We've done that well for 60 years, but we are punching below our weight in the e-commerce space, and that's why we're investing as much as we are there because we certainly see that customers want to shop us that way."

Ocado is doubling the number of robotic arms at its Luton, Bedfordshire, warehouse from 22 to 44 in "the very near future," Hannah Gibson, chief executive of its retail arm told the Financial Times. The robots can pick individual products from storage boxes and will handle roughly 50% of the 50,000 products at the facility with a planned increase to 80%, says Gibson.

To succeed in marketing your business on LinkedIn, focus on becoming a thought leader within a specific industry niche. "Such deliberate focus allows businesses and individuals to distinguish themselves from the competition, creating a unique space that resonates with a specific audience," writes Megan Thudium, founder of MTC | The Content Agency.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says she is confident the US economy will experience a soft landing, with her remarks coming as economists' previously widespread concerns about a recession continue to dissipate. "To me, a soft landing is the economy continues to grow, the labor market remains strong and inflation comes down. And I believe that's the path we're on," Yellen said.

Minimize your team's stress during the holidays by providing flexibility in their schedules, balancing their workload, encouraging bonding during inclusive holiday parties and showing appreciation for their hard work, writes Harvard Law School's Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio. Leaders can reduce their stress by recognizing that avoiding challenging situations can create long-term anxiety while confronting them with skill and compassion can dissipate pent-up frustration, writes Dan Rockwell.

Experience three days of excellent networking opportunities, cutting-edge content, and educational programming for leaders in the wholesale-distribution industry at NAW's Executive Summit Jan. 30 - Feb. 1. Hear from world-class speakers and explore issues critical to the industry. Be prepared for what's next and learn new strategies to get there first. View agenda and registration information here.

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