SpartanNash's distribution net sales jump in fiscal Q1 | Crescent Electric Supply adapts to the pandemic | Taking on Amazon Business requires a narrower focus
SpartanNash reported double-digit increases in overall, retail and food distribution sales in its fiscal first quarter, with distribution net sales rising 17.1% to $1.37 billion. The distributor had overall net sales of $2.86 billion and profit of $15.4 million, both higher than the same period last year.
Crescent Electric Supply has maintained productivity while promoting safety during the coronavirus pandemic by adding precautionary measures, providing supplies for temporary screening facilities and automatically replenishing inventories with its StockNOW program, company official Marie Young writes.
Distributors that want to succeed against Amazon Business should create marketplaces that aim to dominate a particular vertical, according to an Applico report. Such a focus enables distributors to offer lower and more transparent prices, improved selection and centralized buying, which all appeal to customers, Applico's Nick Johnson says.
Maintaining Business Continuity in Tough Times COVID-19 has impacted the global economy and changed the way businesses operate. Overnight, every business has needed to reassess how to do more with less. Thankfully, sales order automation has made this possible for companies like Genpak. Watch this webinar, now available on-demand, to find out how you can keep customers supplied and supported.
Distributors can strengthen cash positions by understanding average collection time, monitoring and improving profit variables, and avoiding pricing and buying mistakes, says Al Bates of the Distribution Performance Project. The five profit variables to track are accounts receivable, expenses, gross margin, inventory and sales.
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The top factors that would entice prospects to attend live events again are sanitized restrooms, the availability of hand sanitizer and reduced capacity, Performance Research reports. Ian Zelaya explores how companies are approaching the return of live events, such as GDX Studios' GDXtra Care Health and Safety Program -- a 147-page instructional guide for experiential agencies.
Business travel after the coronavirus pandemic will include longer lines, fewer flights and more safety requirements, writes travel security expert Jack Rolfe. Hotels will automate the check-in process much as car rental companies have already done, he predicts, and don't expect many large trade shows until next year at the earliest.
NAW Institute Author Pradip Krishnadevarajan in his first NAW Blog post writes, "Each of your customers brings value to your business. Some already provide a considerably high value that your business relies on, while others have significant potential that you haven't fully tapped. Then there are the customers who cost more to serve than they provide in value. The question is: Do you know which customer is which? And are you adjusting your approach accordingly?" Read his post.
Are you well-informed about different best practices and knowledge in our industry? If not, NAW's Top 10 E-book List can help get you up-to-speed quickly so you and your business can stay competitive in these challenging times.
