Wholesale inventories rose by 0.8% in January, surpassing economists' expectations of a 0.7% increase, according to Commerce Department data. The upward move follows a 0.4% decline in the previous month. Wholesale sales dipped 1.3% from December but increased 3.5% from a year earlier. The inventory-to-sales ratio rose to 1.33 from 1.30, indicating a buildup in stock relative to sales.

Beacon has acquired DM Figley Co., a California-based distributor of sealants, waterproofing and concrete repair materials. The acquisition enhances Beacon's waterproofing division, which now has nearly 60 branches nationwide, and gives DM Figley access to a larger platform while maintaining customer relationships.

The US economy added 151,000 jobs to nonfarm payrolls last month, and the unemployment rate edged upward to 4.1%, according to the Labor Department. The job gain was higher than in January but below the Dow Jones consensus forecast of 170,000.

The US international trade deficit expanded by 34% to a record $131.4 billion in January, according to Commerce Department data. Imports surged by 10% as businesses rushed to avoid potential new taxes on foreign goods announced by the Trump administration. Exports grew 1.2%. 

Data analytics plays a crucial role in supply chain orchestration, transforming vast datasets into actionable insights. This shift from data quantity to quality allows for precise forecasting and strategic decision-making, essential for managing demand fluctuations and ensuring efficient operations.

Modern supply chains are increasingly burdened by the escalating costs associated with blind spots, which can lead to inefficiencies and disruptions. These blind spots often stem from a lack of visibility and real-time data, affecting logistics, technology and general supply chain management. Companies are urged to invest in advanced technologies such as AI and data management systems to enhance supply chain visibility and mitigate these challenges.

B2B marketers are increasingly investing in AI and predictive analytics to enhance personalization and efficiency, according to a survey by Adobe. The survey shows that 65% of senior executives consider these technologies critical for success in 2025, with 53% reporting significant efficiency gains from generative AI. Despite economic uncertainties, 80% of leaders intend to increase spending on innovative technologies, and 69% intend to invest more in talent.

Moving fast in business doesn't necessarily mean breaking things, write Harvard Business School professor Frances Frei and Leadership Consortium founder Anne Morriss, who argue that effective change comes when leaders move quickly and fix things by identifying the correct problems, bring in experts to help, create a sense of trust and clearly communicate the benefits. "Decision quality rises when the stakeholders who are most impacted by those decisions -- often the same people who know the most about a problem -- are at the decision-making table," they write.

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.

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