QXO founder Brad Jacobs outlined a plan to reach $50 billion in revenue during a recent talk at the Economics Club of New York. Jacobs said that QXO aims to achieve this through acquisitions adding $30 billion to $40 billion in annual revenue following its $11 billion acquisition of Beacon. Additional revenue gains are expected through organic growth and improvements in pricing, volume and market share. coming via organic growth. Jacobs discussed the role of technology in enhancing efficiency in areas such as procurement and logistics, business operations and highlighted the importance of streamlined organizational structures.

Consumer spending increased 0.3% in September, marking a slowdown from the 0.5% gain during the prior month, according to a Commerce Department report that was delayed by the shutdown. Spending gains were primarily driven by higher spending on services, especially housing and utilities, as well as health care and transportation. Outlays on goods remained flat, with declines in purchases of motor vehicles, clothing and recreational products offsetting gains in energy-related spending. Economists noted that high-income households fueled much of the service-sector growth, while middle- and lower-income consumers became more cautious amid stagnant wages and rising costs.

Pennsylvania-based Wilsbach Distributors has acquired Brewery Products Co., a York, Pa.-based family-owned beer wholesaler. The move is expected to increase Wilsbach's overall volume by 50% and expand its geographic reach. Wilsbach will add 24 full-time employees from Brewery Products as part of the acquisition. "This marks a major step forward in our strategy to: leverage advanced sales process technology to grow organically; pursue strategic acquisitions; [and] invest in adjacent consumer goods categories," said Wilsbach President Frank Sourbeer Jr.

US ports are reevaluating their modernization plans because of the threat of a 100% tariff on Chinese ship-to-shore cranes, despite a one-year pause on the levy. Ports are looking at extending the life of existing equipment and updating technology rather than buying new cranes. Only three non-Chinese companies make such cranes, and they can't meet US demand.

The US Postal Service's Boise Regional Processing and Distribution Center has introduced four robotic arms to manage more than 220,000 packages daily during the holiday season. The robotic arms, installed in September, have increased efficiency by processing 6,000 packages per hour, enabling the redeployment of workers to areas that require human intervention.

Fastenal has undergone a major digital transformation, moving from a branch-focused, brick-and-mortar model to a predominantly digital sales approach. In the second quarter, digital sales -- including EDI and web transactions -- account for more than 60% of Fastenal's business, up from just 10% in fiscal 2020. This shift reflects strategic investments in ecommerce capabilities and a significant reduction in physical branch locations. Global Industrial and Motion have also seen substantial online sales growth.

Jenny Sagstrom, CEO of Skona, recommends three strategies for B2B brands to stand out in 2026: investing in prestige media, hosting internal events to build brand trust, and creating ecosystems for industry conversations. Sagstrom discusses the effectiveness of high-visibility campaigns like AT&T's "Wake up with Craig" and Snowflake's SVAI Hub for AI innovation.

US consumer sentiment declined significantly throughout 2025, falling from a reading above 70 in January to a preliminary December reading of 53.3, nearing historic lows. This dour outlook -- driven by high prices, a fragile job market, and anxiety over President Trump's tariffs -- persists despite continued consumer spending and a solid holiday shopping season. Inflation expectations for the year ahead improved to 4.1% in December, down from 4.5% in November, but frustration remains over prices that are still rising faster than the Federal Reserve's 2% target.

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