C&S Wholesale Grocers will purchase an additional 166 stores from Kroger and Albertsons -- for a total of 579 stores and eight distribution centers -- a move that will help the two grocers address regulatory concerns and advance their $25 billion merger. Under the amended deal, Kroger will also be selling its Haggen banner to C&S and provide the company access to private-label brands Signature and O Organics.

Geopolitical developments ranging from Panama Canal delays to cybersecurity threats and US-China tensions can impact wholesale distributors. Half of respondents to the latest Baird-MDM survey reported negative impacts on supply chain operations due to geopolitical conflicts, including longer lead times and increased shipping costs, with roughly 10-15% reporting severe impacts. Distributors can proactively mitigate geopolitical risks via strategic planning, diversification and logistics optimization.

Amazon's business practices, outlined in "The Everything War," a book released Monday, chronicles the marketplace's ability to dominate in several businesses, including ecommerce, cloud computing and AI, logistics and media. The book, echoing an ongoing Federal Trade Commission lawsuit against the company, alleges Amazon undercut competition on several fronts, caused online price inflation by pressuring sellers to set prices at a certain level and charged sellers onerous fees.

Companies such as Lime and Heineken are transitioning to electric trucks to move cargo to boost sustainability though cooperation is needed throughout the supply chain to make it work. California is mandating drayage trucks to be all-electric by 2035.

Since partnering with Google Cloud in 2015, Home Depot has launched apps for employees and customers, enhanced its online search functions and used warehouse data analysis. Future capabilities will use machine learning and generative AI for inventory management to improve supply chain efficiency.

Diversity, equity and inclusion efforts are in place at almost 50% of supply chain organizations, with the number of formal DEI targets increasing by 22 points, according to Gartner research. Firms are hiring and retaining employees from more under-represented races in the US and Europe while also strengthening programming to decrease bias at the executive level, according to the report.

Marketing experts discuss how more business-to-business marketing is appearing on consumer channels such as streaming TV and TikTok, and using humor and emotive storytelling to connect with audiences. "The content has been so corporate in the past now [B2B marketers are] trying to think about ways to cut through," says Billion Dollar Boy's Ed East, while Zeno Digital Experience's Greg Tedesco notes, "These different channels can be channels for reach and awareness and conversions even, and I think we're going to see it continue."

Projections suggest that the personal consumption expenditures price index -- a measure of inflation closely watched by the Federal Reserve -- could have gained 2.6% in March on an annual basis. That would mark a slight acceleration, potentially giving Fed officials a fresh indication that progress in the inflation fight has slowed.

Sol Rashidi, the author of "The AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons from Real World AI Deployments," writes that successful AI deployments focus on the core purpose behind AI. Rashidi also recommends developing a strategy that aligns with the organization, starting small but thinking big, selecting a helpful technology partner and implementing AI at the proper pace.

Research shows the benefits are clear: Companies that invest in their employees' professional development experience increased employee retention, improved performance and enhanced innovation. Join a select group of high-caliber professionals for an exclusive program designed to accelerate your career in wholesale distribution. This intensive, 5-day certificate program, led by seven expert faculty members from The Ohio State University, will equip students with the strategic skills and knowledge to navigate industry challenges, drive growth and lead with confidence. The Spring Session is April 29 - May 3, 2024. Learn More.

The NAW Company Roundtables are an exclusive community of thought leaders from Billion Dollar and Large Company distribution enterprises who congregate to network with non-competing peers in multiple lines of trade on key issues. Learn more about the many Roundtable event opportunities we offer, and how your leaders can get involved. Learn more.

Join us on May 22 at 1 pm ET for the next webinar in our "How-to with NAW" series. Each episode is a micro-revolution for your distribution business, delivering practical takeaways and actionable steps you can implement immediately.