NAW SmartBrief
January 28, 2026
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TODAY'S HEADLINES

TOP STORIES
* Financial worries drive consumer confidence to decade low
* World Electric opens regional distribution center in Ga.
* First Brands starts closing down key North America units
* Applied Industrial acquires Calif.-based Thompson Industrial
* Cameron Ashley opens distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas
OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY
* AI gives The RealReal the edge in authenticating items
* Walmart uses AI to plan for winter storm demand
* AI helps distributors mitigate disruption
SALES AND MARKETING
* AI in B2B marketing: Efficiency vs. authenticity
THE BUSINESS LEADER
* Partial government shutdown looms over DHS funds
* How your "help" may be hindering your team's progress
NEW FROM MDM
* MDM Banner
* Transforming inventory into a dynamic asset portfolio
* MDM Forecast: January Update Offers Our First Look at 2027 (1/20) 
* Fastenal's Pricing Impact Expands in Q4 as Sluggish Market Conditions Continue (1/20) 
NAW INSIDER
* NAW Insider Banner
* Invest in Your Future Leaders with NAW Education Programs
* Learn about the benefits of NAW membership

Follow the link below to read quick summaries of these stories and others.
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