Performance Food Group is expanding its operations in East Tennessee with a $33.2 million investment in Hamblen County. The expansion aims to enhance product offerings while maintaining high service standards, the company said. PFG's Morristown, Tenn., facility is one of five in the state, with others in Knoxville, Nashville, Johnson City and Lebanon.

US consumer sentiment increased for the fifth consecutive month in December, with the University of Michigan index reaching 74, up from 71.8 in November. The partisan divide continued, as sentiment again rose among Republicans while falling among Democrats. Sentiment is roughly midway between pre-pandemic levels and the 2022 all-time lows, survey officials said.

Amazon has introduced Haul, a mobile-only section for ultra-low-price goods that are primarily shipped from China, to compete with Temu and Shein. Haul caps prices at $20, with free shipping on orders of $25 or more, but shipping takes one to two weeks. Haul has attracted millions of unique visits since its quite pre-Black Friday launch, and Amazon plans to expand the selection in the near future.

Global trade is expected to grow 3.6% in 2024 as companies restock and consumers buy durable goods, according to Allianz Trade. However, the forecast has been revised downward for 2025 and 2026 due to anticipated trade disruptions and tariffs, with trade volume growth now expected at 2.8% in 2025 and 2.3% in 2026.

Generative AI is transforming supply chain management by automating processes, enhancing transparency, optimizing logistics, mitigating risks and analyzing sustainability performance, write Peter Anderson and Gaurav Goel of Genpact. A recent study shows that 53% of supply chain executives are reallocating funds to generative AI initiatives, highlighting the technology's potential to improve decision-making and resilience.

Henry Collins of redpill advises brands to prioritize targeted social media strategies over trying to go viral in 2025, highlighting the effectiveness of reaching niche audiences for conversions and brand relevance. "Social buzz can go both ways and if your content lands in front of the wrong crowd, it can really backfire," Collins writes, noting, "A highly targeted campaign reduces this risk, keeping your brand's reputation intact."

Job satisfaction among American workers has significantly declined, with only 18% feeling extremely satisfied with their jobs, down from 26% pre-pandemic, according to Gallup report "The Great Detachment." This drop is linked to unclear job expectations, increased responsibilities due to workplace disruptions, and a mismatch between employee expectations and employer offerings.

Join us in Washington, D.C., January 27-29 for NAW's Executive Summit, bringing together the best and brightest leaders from the wholesale distribution industry. Learn more here.

Prioritize your organization's greatest asset — your people. NAW’s premier education programs, such as the online Management Academy and the in-depth Distribution Leadership Program at THE Ohio State University, are designed to equip your high-potential employees with the skills and insights they need to lead and succeed. Ensure your rising stars are prepared to drive your business forward by investing in their growth today. Learn more about how NAW can help you develop the leaders of tomorrow.

In celebration of the holidays, SmartBrief will not publish on 12/25.