The Conference Board's consumer sentiment index fell 5.4 points to 104.1 in January, reflecting diminished optimism about current and future conditions as President Trump starts his second term. Pessimism grew among consumers under 55, driven by concerns about employment prospects, though those above 55 showed a slight uptick in confidence. Inflation expectations rose to 5.3%, while optimism about stock market performance remained robust, albeit slightly lower than in late 2024.
Distribution companies often face "process zombies," or inefficient systems that hinder productivity, writes Alex Witcpalek, founder and CEO of Continuum. Outdated processes waste time and energy, Witcpalek argues, suggesting businesses identify these inefficiencies through transaction analysis and implement tools like automation to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
The US recorded a $1.2 trillion trade deficit in goods last year, surpassing the previous record set in 2022. The trade deficit jumped 18% in December to $122.1 billion, according to Census Bureau data, fueled by a rush of imports as firms move to beat new tariffs.
Warehouses are facing challenges in managing post-holiday returns due to staffing shortages and inventory issues. Some firms are implementing strategies to streamline reverse logistics, including involving retail workers in the returns process and investing in technology such as returns management software and mobile robots.
Trade with China remains central to global supply chains, even as procurement professionals respond to new trade tensions, nearshoring and sustainability challenges. Nearshore destinations like Mexico and Central America have seen a 20% year-over-year increase in audit demand, but tariff uncertainties and capacity constraints are prompting brands to look into alternative sourcing strategies.
B2B marketing is evolving to focus on emotional and experiential connections, as highlighted by IBM, Capgemini, Workday and EY at the World Economic Forum. Workday's rock-star ads, Capgemini's live tech demos, IBM's relevance-focused content and EY's cinematic films exemplify this trend -- aiming to inspire and empower decision-makers.
Employee engagement in the US dropped to 31% in 2024, the lowest in a decade, according to a Gallup meta-analysis. Key areas such as role clarity and personal care have seen significant declines. Despite this, nonfarm labor productivity has improved, though Gallup notes that this is not a measure of work quality. Gallup suggests that companies can improve engagement by defining workplace culture, upskilling managers and selecting leaders who can inspire.
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.
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) is one of America’s leading trade associations, representing the $8 trillion wholesale distribution industry. Our industry employs more than 6 million workers throughout the United States, accounting for approximately 1/3 of the U.S. GDP. 250,000 wholesale distribution companies operate across North America, including all 50 states. Learn more.
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