Business inventories in the US increased slightly in November, rising 0.1% after a flat reading the previous month, according to Commerce Department data. The marginal rise suggests restocking may not significantly boost economic growth in the fourth quarter. Retail inventories, excluding autos, rose by 0.5%, while wholesale inventories fell by 0.2%. Distributive trade sales and manufacturers' shipments increased 0.5% during the month, with the inventory-to-sales ratio unchanged at 1.37.

Henry Schein has acquired substantially all the assets of Acentus, a Tampa, Fla.-based national supplier of continuous glucose monitors and other medical supplies. The acquisition is expected to have a neutral impact on Henry Schein's 2025 non-GAAP earnings per share and to be accretive thereafter.

The threat of potential aggressive tariffs from President Donald Trump and averted port strikes has led to 78% of shippers frontloading products to the US, with products from China leading the surge, according to the CNBC Supply Chain Survey. Some shippers are also switching to suppliers outside China and manufacturers in Cambodia, India, Vietnam, Kenya, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey and Taiwan.

The regulatory landscape for global supply chains has experienced a significant transformation, moving from limited frameworks to comprehensive legislation. Authorities worldwide are now enforcing stricter measures to ensure corporate accountability, requiring thorough supply chain due diligence and transparency.

Tech firm Symbotic has entered into a deal with Walmart, agreeing to purchase the retailer's robotics and advanced systems business for $200 million upfront plus up to $350 million in the future based on system orders. This acquisition is part of a broader $520 million initiative aimed at developing an AI-enabled automated delivery platform designed to roll out at 400 Walmart stores in the coming years.

Lead generation remains the primary challenge for B2B marketers in 2025, as highlighted in a Sopro report. The report provides strategies for effective outreach, and notes that buyers' preferences for being contacted are via email (73%), telephone (49%) and during in-person events (38%).

Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Treasury secretary, emphasized the importance of supply chain security in his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday. "We must secure supply chains that are vulnerable to strategic competitors, and we must carefully deploy sanctions as part of a whole-of-government approach to address our national security requirements," Bessent said.

Revenue expectations are high among midsize companies, with 74% of executives anticipating higher revenue in 2025, according to JPMorgan Chase's 2025 Business Leaders Outlook survey. This optimism is coupled with plans for growth, as 51% of executives intend to increase headcount. The leading strategy for growth includes introducing new products and services, followed by strategic partnerships and investments.

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.

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.