The partnership between SRS Distribution and InstaLILY has evolved as a key driver of SRS's growth strategy, highlighting how AI can drive growth and operational efficiency in the distribution sector. SRS has integrated InstaLILY's agentic AI platform across its sales organization, enhancing sales enablement and customer service. The collaboration has expanded since Home Depot acquired SRS, with plans to scale AI integration across more business units.

Winsupply has opened Denton County Winwater, a 14,500-square-foot facility in Ponder, Texas, as part of its hub-and-spoke model to drive national growth. The new local company, led by President Colin Warren, was spun off from North Texas Winwater and aims to serve the waterworks industry. Winsupply plans to open 20 new local companies this year, targeting major Texas markets such as San Antonio, Austin and Houston.

US retail sales excluding autos rose by 0.5% in September, according to the Chicago Federal Reserve, marking continued but slower growth compared to the previous month. The increase partly reflects higher prices, with sales growing 0.2% when adjusted for inflation. Gains were notable at electronics and general merchandise stores, while some sectors saw declines.

Warehouse leasing demand is showing signs of recovery after a three-year slump, according to Prologis executives. The company reports increased activity in new and renewal leasing discussions across multiple markets, with more tenants signing deals for additional space. The shift comes as vacancy rates have stabilized, marking an inflection point for the industrial real estate sector.

The Port of Los Angeles achieved a record 2.9 million twenty-foot equivalent units in the third quarter, but imports in September fell 8% year over year to 460,000 units as tariffs and trade policy changes create uncertainty. "We're past peak season and expect to see cargo volume soften over the last three months of the year," says Executive Director Gene Seroka, who added that turbulent trade negotiations "could intensify that decline."

Flexport has launched a suite of AI tools designed to help retailers and manufacturers manage the complexities of modern tariffs. These tools analyze customs filings for errors and compliance risks, identify opportunities to reduce duties, and include an AI-powered auditor that reviews past customs entries for inaccuracies. The launch also features an updated tariff simulator and a compliance monitor that checks customs forms in real time.

Digital advertising has transformed the advertising industry, often at the expense of creativity and intentionality, writes AdQuick's Chris Gadek. Gadek argues that traditional advertising required thoughtful decision-making about language, imagery and audience targeting, citing examples such as the Pepsi Challenge and Subaru's 1990s campaign as examples of creative success. In contrast, digital ads rely on opaque systems and AI, limiting advertisers' control and understanding, Gadek writes.

Leaders can inspire their employees by asking empathetic questions that address emotions, writes Ravi Rajani, a communication expert. "Your ability to truly connect with your team on a deeper level, understand who they are and uncover their core motivations is the difference between a good leader and an extraordinary one," Rajani writes.

Communicating change initiatives should incorporate feedback from employees through dedicated office hours, team meetings or question and answer sessions, writes Aidan Hewitt, who is in charge of the culture change consulting practice at Gallagher. "When leaders are transparent about decisions and create opportunities for two-way dialogue, employees are far more likely to remain engaged," Hewitt writes.

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