Business inventories increased by 0.2 percent in February, with wholesale inventories jumping 0.3% after soaring 0.8% higher in January. Wholesale sales increased 2.4%, far outpacing the 0.7% increase in manufacturing sales and 0.4% rise in retail sales, according to the Commerce Department. The total business inventory-to-sales ratio stood at 1.35, down from 1.36 a month earlier.

Distributors looking to grow revenue, profit and market share need to create a well-defined sales growth strategy that involves outlining clear sales goals, planning revenue sources by territory and setting targets for new and existing customers, writes sales expert Mark Allen Roberts. Companies should also understand customer needs, analyze sales data, set SMART goals, craft a compelling value proposition, develop actionable sales strategies and continuously monitor and adjust their plan.

Organizations should align their sales compensation plans with their business goals because misalignment can demotivate sales staff and lead to high turnover, says Donya Rose, founder of The Cygnal Group, in a recent MDM Podcast. Rose, who also shares details about changes in B2B sales compensation plans in recent years, will speak on the subject during a breakout session at MDM's upcoming SHIFT Conference in Denver.

Companies are turning to AI to manage supply chain disruptions caused by unpredictable tariffs under President Donald Trump. Vendors have introduced AI features to model tariff impacts, and though the tech may be able to aid firms with accurate models, it cannot gauge what the White House will do next.

AI is revolutionizing procurement by enhancing efficiency and strategic value across various industries. In manufacturing, it strengthens supply chain management and predictive maintenance. In life sciences and healthcare, it improves supply chain visibility and compliance, while in the public sector, it streamlines regulatory processes and risk management. Despite challenges such as data quality and legacy systems, procurement leaders are prioritizing AI integration to drive innovation and competitive advantage.

While brands such as Duolingo and Liquid Death have found success by committing to bold, original ideas, many others follow a formulaic approach to simulate chaos without taking real risks, writes Manifest's Mia Rocco. Rocco recommends that brands embrace uncertainty and points out that "you don’t control your brand. The internet does."

The World Trade Organization has cut its 2025 merchandise trade forecast, citing US tariffs and global uncertainty. The WTO now expects a 0.2% decline in trade volume, down from earlier projections, although a 2.5% rebound is expected next year. The WTO warns that protectionist policies could negatively affect economic activity and trade in the long term, with North America being the hardest hit.

Most companies do not plan to reshore production in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs, citing cost increases and labor challenges, according to the latest CNBC Supply Chain Survey. Instead, 61% of respondents intend to shift supply chains to countries with lower tariffs. The survey also reveals that 63% of firms fear a recession and 89% report order cancellations as a result of the tariffs.

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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