Pandemic Revenue Index "back near break-even" | Sally Beauty continues rebranding during the pandemic | Private equity firm now majority owner of US Lumber parent
Indian River Consulting Group's Pandemic Revenue Index of 14 distributors rose by 0.3% the week of Dec. 14-18, after two weeks of larger increases. IRCG's Mike Emerson writes that the index will likely increase this week and next, but "[a]ny true trend probably won't be apparent until mid-January."
Sally Beauty marketing executive Carolyne Guss describes how the company continued a rebranding effort even after the pandemic began, in part because the new focus on do-it-yourself customers and digital transformation only gained importance in a time of social distancing. Sally Beauty increased digital education for salon professionals, launched ship-from-store and buy online, pick up in-store options, and prioritized greater diversity in its merchandising brands, Guss says.
Private equity firm The Jordan Co. has purchased a majority stake in US Lumber parent company Specialty Building Products from Madison Dearborn Partners. "We have had a terrific partnership with MDP and are excited to have found an equally strong new partner in TJC, who is aligned with our vision and committed to helping us pursue our next chapter of customer-focused growth," said US Lumber President and CEO Jeff McLendon, who sits on the NAW Board of Directors.
SmartFocus on the Omnichannel Journey The consumer journey is ever-changing, with more shoppers than ever moving from in-store to digital purchasing while also looking for a seamless combination of the two methods. In this Walmart Media Group whitepaper, we look at how omnipowered solutions are being accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, helping brands reach customers in new ways – wherever they shop. Download now
Transportation and logistics workers have been deemed essential by the CDC and are included in the third category of the first group of coronavirus vaccine recipients. Americans in the first two categories began receiving the vaccine on Dec. 14, and about 556,000 have gotten it since then, according to the CDC.
Improve and accelerate your testing program Now more than ever, retailers must improve their customers' experiences and drive better relationships with their audience across points of contact. In this on-demand webinar, testing experts discuss best practices for unlocking the full potential of automation, as well as how to use crowdtesting to optimize user feedback and how to apply AI for identifying and preventing defects. Watch now
Salespeople should see objections as an opportunity to learn about buyers, not an obstacle to be avoided, writes Jayson DeMers. Make sure prospects know you're on the same side and adopt a collaborative approach instead of being combative about overcoming objections, DeMers suggests.
Business-to-business marketers share their thoughts on the continued trend of hybrid events for 2021 and what's required for the ideal event blending digital and in-person attendees. Recommendations include integrating events with broader digital campaigns, buzzworthy moments such as concerts and the ability to interact with speakers.
How to embrace the new normal in 2021 2020 was the year of the pivot for brands, as the pandemic reshaped consumer behaviors and the customer journey (most likely permanently). In 2021, retailers need to focus on planning for the future with strategies that meet both the immediate and long-term needs of customers. Watch this on-demand webinar where SmartBrief and industry experts discuss how the retail landscape has changed and how to plan for success in 2021.
The pandemic has left employees demanding more respect for their work and their personal lives, writes S. Chris Edmonds, who offers five ways leaders can align business goals with employee expectations, including creating a culture of trust and focusing on doing good in the world. "Define a work culture that puts good first, valuing respect as much as results," he writes.
Make better decisions under pressure by being aware of your thinking style, taking time to fully consider the problem and resisting reactive shortcuts, write Paul Napper and Anthony Rao, sharing insights from Drs. Jerome Groopman and Pamela Hartzband. "If you're on a path that doesn't seem right, stop and get off," they write.
NAW's first Digital Summit, Jan. 27-28, will be an event like none other hosted in the history of NAW. As we turn the page on 2020 and enter 2021, our event will focus on "Leading in a Time of Transition." This highly interactive virtual event will capture your attention from start to finish. We're including some surprise content and speakers you'll only experience if you attend our event. New this year are 5- and 10-pack registrations, so bring more team members with you to this event. Register today!
With 2020 winding down, this month may be the perfect time to catch up on the latest knowledge in the distribution industry so you're ready for 2021! Get informed through FREE research reports and webinars from NAW through its 7-part series, How Technology Will Transform Wholesale Distribution. Based on research conducted in 2020 with wholesaler-distributors, manufacturers and distributor customers, this series will provide the intelligence you need to formulate new strategies for 2021 and ensure that your company thrives through this era of technology disruption and transformation.
In this capstone webinar for the NAW Series: How Technology Will Transform Wholesale Distribution, Author Ian Heller of Distribution Strategy Group will integrate the thinking of distributors, customers, suppliers and experts. He'll offer suggestions not only for specific actions distributors should take, but also for how distributors should adapt their businesses to ensure that they can successfully navigate the change. Register for this free Jan. 21 webinar at 2 p.m. Eastern. Sponsored by Unilog and PROS.
