First Supply opened a 310,000-square-foot distribution center in West Salem, Wis., to mark the company's 128th anniversary. The facility, which took two years to complete, features advanced technologies, such as a new warehouse management system and high-density automation, to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.
US importers are quickly converting warehouses to bonded facilities to manage cash flow amid tariffs on foreign goods. However, there's uncertainty about the longevity of demand, as future tariff changes could decrease the need for bonded warehouses. "It involves money and it takes time, but if you are a big company and expect tariffs are going to remain elevated for an extended period, you can convert (existing) spaces into bonded warehousing," says Chris Rogers, manager of supply chain research at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
QXO founder Brad Jacobs outlined the company's vision to become a leader in the building products distribution industry, including its goal to reach $50 billion in annual revenue within a decade through acquisitions and organic growth, focusing on roofing, waterproofing and adjacent markets. Speaking at the Wolfe Research Annual Conference, Jacobs said the Beacon Roofing Supply acquisition was a "smart first move," and highlighted achievements after the deal, including rebranding and inventory rebalancing.
The temporary suspension of the highest tariffs on products from China has led to an increase in imports, but retailers still face challenges, according to a CNBC Supply Chain Survey. Despite reductions, the tariffs are causing concerns about retail shortages and higher prices. Logistics executives expect fewer shipping containers at US ports, and consumer spending optimism remains low amid tariff and recession fears.
Warehouse automation is evolving as companies face reshoring, rising labor costs and tariffs, with firms opting for targeted deployments over large-scale automation, say Zebra Technologies executives Andre Luecht and Nicholas Wegman. Companies are also favoring small investments in operating expenses over capital expenditures amid economic uncertainty, Luecht says, and Wegman notes that integrating AI has become crucial for managing inventory and labor.
Walgreens has opened a micro fulfillment center in Brooklyn Park, Minn., designed to support nearly 200 locations and process 13 million prescriptions annually. The facility uses robotics to improve efficiency and allow pharmacists to focus more on patient care. It is part of a network of 12 centers across the US that support more than 5,000 stores, filling 16 million prescriptions monthly and enhancing the in-store experience.
Sysco opened its first retail store, Sysco To Go, in Houston, with a second location planned for later this summer as part of the company's focus on reducing supply chain costs. The stores, each more than 40,000 square feet, offer bulk food products and supplies and aim to serve small businesses that do not meet the minimum delivery requirement.
Nearly two-thirds of marketing teams don't have an AI strategy or road map, and more than half of companies have not established policies for safe AI use, per an AI Marketing Institute study. While there is a positive trend in the number of companies developing AI ethics policies and councils, a lack of training remains a significant hurdle, with 68% of marketers reporting no AI training from their employers.
US mergers and acquisitions are rebounding after tariff-related disruptions derailed an expected boom in dealmaking. The total value of US deals jumped to more than $227 billion in March before slowing in April to $134 billion, according to Mergermarket data. However, dealmaking appears to be recovering in May, as more than 300 deals have been agreed upon so far, with a total value exceeding $125 billion.
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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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