Research shows that supply chains are bracing for a boost in customer demand, which offers a rosy picture of economic growth for the upcoming holiday season. "The increased rates of growth in inventories signal heightened confidence in consumer demand continuing into the near future," says Steven Carnovale, associate professor at Florida Atlantic University.

Ferguson Enterprises' private brand strategy has been a key driver of its growth in North America, particularly in sectors like plumbing and HVACR. The company's exclusive brands, which represent 9% of its annual revenue, provide high-quality products that enhance customer satisfaction and profitability. CEO Kevin Murphy says this strategy helps the distributor secure projects and expand market share, but requires careful risk management to balance relationships with branded manufacturers and ensure long-term viability.

Walmart plans to expand its Walmart Fulfillment Services division next month to provide warehousing, delivery and returns for merchants filling orders from outside the Walmart marketplace. Items sent using the service will be in plain brown boxes rather than Walmart packaging.

Supply chain recruiters face multiple challenges including a tight labor market, skill shortages, competition from high-profile companies, evolving candidate expectations and a drop in college-educated applicants. "If your organization is willing to make an investment in talent, it will attract talent that wants to continue to grow," says recruitment consultant Timothy Noble.

The integration of big data and advanced analytics in the supply chain yields benefits including increased productivity and more precise forecast accuracy, writes Marisa Brown of APQC. There are not enough employees equipped to facilitate this integration, writes Brown, who encourages a focus on hiring, training and reskilling people who are prepared for its demands.

The 10 largest container ports in the nation have seen inbound cargo volumes making a 20.9% year-on-year jump in July, reaching 2.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units, according to data from John McCown. This follows a 17.2% year-on-year increase in June, and represents the ninth consecutive monthly gain.

Salespeople should recalibrate pitches from "products in search of buyers" to a focus on customers and the issues they face, writes David Brock, sales expert and author of "Sales Manager Survival Guide." Brock notes that salespeople who share knowledge can inspire long-term relationships with customers, especially if salespeople focus on challenges in the industry.

This visual offers insights into figuring out the who, what, where, when and why of breaking through to the 18% of B2B buyers who don't take meetings right away. Some buyers accept meetings when they feel inspired by an opportunity presented to them or realize they don't receive the best service from their current provider.

Fortune 500 companies are preparing for potential AI regulations in the US, with 27% citing it as a risk in Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The regulatory landscape is currently fragmented, creating uncertainty and potentially higher compliance costs. Some firms have expressed concerns over regulatory inconsistencies, while others see regulation as a way to boost AI governance and confidence.

Minor changes to your company culture can help attract millennial and Generation Z employees through a "culture calibration," says S. Chris Edmonds, an executive consultant and author. For example, 86% of millennials and 89% of Gen Z employees are looking for a sense of purpose at work, while 40% of millennials and 44% of Gen Z have turned down an employer due to a clash over personal beliefs.

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