The US may be on the verge of a productivity boom akin to mid-20th-century accelerations and the 1990s internet revolution, spurred by better job matches and increased investment in labor-saving technologies. With the introduction of AI, productivity growth could soar later this decade, according to some experts, stimulating economic growth and lessening the rising burden of national debt.

Reece USA has opened a Reece Bath+Kitchen showroom in Gilbert, Ariz., to enhance product selection for homeowners, builders and designers. The showroom, which follows a concept introduced in Texas in 2023, combines physical and digital experiences and offers personalized consultations and exclusive product collections.

Households making more than $100,000 a year are helping to fuel overall holiday spending, while lower-income consumers are continuing to deal with the impact of inflation. Total consumer spending grew 3.8% on an annual basis between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse.

Warehouse automation is experiencing significant growth, with nearly a quarter of warehouses now automated, compared with 5% a decade ago. Advancements in robotic automated storage and retrieval systems, AI and large language models are driving innovation, says Andy Williams, North American vice president for Exotec. Growth is expected to continue as sectors such as industrial, automotive and consumer product goods increase their adoption of automation technologies.

B2B marketers are expected to focus on AI-driven personalization, video content and private communities in 2025. Members of the Forbes Communications Council highlight trends such as hyperpersonalized microcontent, empathy in messaging and influencer collaborations as key strategies to engage audiences and build brand loyalty.

Being a good communicator means that you care enough to communicate in ways people prefer, you listen closely, you're open to feedback and you take responsibility when you mess up, writes Shari Harley, founder and president of Candid Culture. Harley recommends preparing before you make a phone call and avoiding conversations when you're feeling busy, frustrated or tired.

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 Jan. 1.