US wholesale sales fell 0.4% in October compared with September, driven by a 0.6% decline in durable goods sales, according to the Census Bureau. Nondurable goods sales dropped 0.2% from the previous month. Wholesale inventories rose 0.2% in October following a 0.5% jump in September, resulting in an inventory-to-sales ratio of 1.30, up from 1.29.

US worker productivity surged in the third quarter, growing at the fastest pace in two years, driven by significant investments in AI, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonfarm productivity rose at an annualized rate of 4.9%, while unit labor costs fell 1.9%. This sharp increase surpasses economists' expectations and follows a 4.1% gain in the previous quarter, showcasing significant recent gains in hourly output per worker.

Ky.-based distributor of public safety uniforms and equipment GALLS has completed acquisitions of Action Uniform in New Jersey and DesignLab in South Carolina, adding these companies to its portfolio as part of its ongoing growth strategy. These acquisitions follow several others in the previous year, including GALLS' expansion into the Canadian market.

The automation industry is updating safety standards for humanoid and collaborative robots as they are increasingly used in supply chain operations, addressing challenges such as stability and unpredictable motion with standards such as ISO 26058-1 and ISO 25785-1, according to a report by Interact Analysis. The report notes a shift in evaluating collaborative robots based on their application rather than the robot alone.

Cartesian Kinetics and Rockwell Automation have partnered to develop a robotic automation system that can be retrofitted into existing warehouses, addressing the challenges presented by aging infrastructure. The system, which includes the Carte+ robotics platform, Emulate3D digital twin software and Independent Cart Technology, has shown significant results, such as a fivefold increase in worker productivity and a tenfold improvement in fulfillment quality. North Bay Distribution has successfully implemented this system, highlighting its ability to enhance operations without significant infrastructure changes.

Content is a key driver of growth in the business-to-business sector by building authority and trust among potential buyers, writes Lara Varrica of Vonnimedia. Unlike business-to-consumer content, which focuses on immediate emotional impact, B2B content educates and nurtures leads over time, Varrica writes, adding that it "compounds over time, shaping how your brand is perceived and recalled."

Focusing on the "boring" but essential tasks of running a business, such as patience, discipline and a willingness to embrace daily routines that others might overlook, has brought success for Sunny Singh, the founder and CEO of Adobo Fresh Burrito. "What keeps me going is focusing on the big picture: building something sustainable, creating opportunities for others and proving that even 'boring' businesses can succeed with complete commitment," Singh says.

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