Did you hear the news? There's an election coming up...

We're not flashing our yard signs on this week's episode. Rather, we're taking a look at what the future may hold for wholesale distributors in an ever-changing political, technological, and financial landscape. We kick off by discussing the current economic landscape, including weakening manufacturing in Japan and its implications for the global economy. The conversation touches on the anticipated rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the ongoing balancing act between inflation and economic growth.

We then shift our focus to the escalating U.S.-China trade tariffs, exploring the geopolitical ramifications and the potential inflationary effects on global markets. The discussion highlights the importance of staying informed about supply chain dynamics, especially as companies navigate these turbulent waters.

Next, we delve into the future of supply chain management, emphasizing the rise of artificial intelligence and its expected market growth. We stress the importance of viewing AI as a long-term investment rather than seeking immediate returns. The episode also covers key trends such as data analytics, sustainability, and the need for workforce development in the face of technological advancements.

In our manufacturing and distribution segment, we revisit the bankruptcy of True Value Hardware, discussing its impact on local businesses and the broader distribution network. We highlight the challenges faced by smaller retailers and the potential for consolidation in the industry.

Finally, we explore the evolution of B2B marketplaces, noting the shift from niche to mainstream and the importance of customer obsession in driving revenue and profits. We conclude by emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to changing market conditions and to leverage technology to enhance customer relationships.

Join us as we unpack these critical topics and provide insights that matter to wholesale distributors and manufacturers. If you want to stay updated, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on our social media channels!

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Not to sound like a broken record, but the almost-daily advancements in AI make it nearly impossible for wholesale distributors to ignore the coming tide. Now, with Swarm AI's latest development, is the dam about to burst?

In this episode of Around the Horn in Wholesale Distribution, we take a look at this and all the latest trends impacting the wholesale distribution and manufacturing industry. From supply chain resilience to labor market fluctuations to the effects of the east coast hurricanes, we analyze how global events and market trends are shaping the future of distribution.

• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Why are companies easing up on their supply chain strategies despite ongoing challenges in regions like the Panama Canal and South China Sea? Are businesses ignoring the lessons learned from the pandemic?
• Labor Market Trends: What impact will the Boeing machinists' strike and other labor disruptions have on wholesale distribution? Are we headed for more job losses, or will the market stabilize?
• Private Equity and Distribution: How is private equity influencing the distribution industry, and what does the bankruptcy of True Value reveal about the future of smaller wholesale businesses?

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With all the hype around the AI revolution, one question remains: is AI actually helping wholesale distributors and manufacturers?

This week, hosts Kevin Brown and Tom Burton explore this question while diving into the latest industry trends impacting manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and the global supply chain.

From inflation’s effect on interest rates to the evolving geopolitical landscape, Kevin and Tom discuss the forces shaping the industry. Plus, learn how to harness AI for supply chain optimization and unlock insights that can drive your business forward. Tune in for practical tips and expert analysis to keep your organization competitive in 2024 and beyond.

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The massive dock strike on the eastern seaboard dominated the news this week as it threatened to literally upend the United States economy. But just as quickly as it sent shockwaves through the world of wholesale distribution and manufacturing, it came to an abrupt end.

Or did it?

The strike is suddenly "on pause" as dockworkers return to their jobs with a tentative agreement on wages, diverting a potential economic disaster, but leaving the future uncertain. This week, we're joined by Scott Costa, publisher at tED magazine, to take an in-depth look at how the east coast dock strike—or lack thereof—effects not only the business of wholesale manufacturing and distribution, but the supply chain as a whole. In the wake of Covid, supply chain risk has become severe, systemic, and strategic. Can it survive a blow of this magnitude?

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Well, well, well...somebody owes someone a steak dinner...

This week, world markets could finally exhale as the Fed announced a 50 basis-point cut to interest rates. To some, it was larger than expected, while to others, it was either late or never should have happened at all. This week, Kevin and Tom unpack the big move and what it means for wholesale distributors and manufacturers.

But this week held a lot more interesting news than just the rate cut. According to a recent report, 97% of all supply chain leaders surveyed said that they're facing challenges with supply chain metrics, while only 44% currently track customer satisfaction as a key performance indicator. All this while supply chain executives may be losing the strategic gains they made with their C-suite counterparts during the pandemic. What forces are shaping the supply chain now, and how can they be managed?

And if that isn't enough, Industry Today reports that manufacturers will need to re-think how they do everything. Like it or not, they are entering a period that demands transformation, meaning an intense, organization-wide program that shifts performance, starting with the top line.

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Supply chain optimization has never been more critical in today’s wholesale distribution market. A stunning 83% of businesses are now focused on creating customer-centric supply chains to improve service and offer flexible delivery options. In fact, the market is set to skyrocket almost $50 billion over the next eight years.

This week, Kevin and Tom are joined by James Gilman, President of Perimeter Office Products, who gives his unique insight to the state of supply chain management and what can be done to improve it. We also take a look at how companies are using AI to improve efficiencies in their supply chain - and how to overcome the hurdles that come with it.

And of course, everyone is waiting with bated breath to see what the Fed will announce next week for rate cuts. The question at this point isn't "will there be a rate cut," it's "how much will the upcoming rate cut be?" We take a look at a few possible scenarios, and what the implications are of a large cut versus a small one.

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Markets are confused. Investors want rate cuts because they are a tailwind for growth. But rate cuts tend to be driven by negative economic data, and the economic data is...weird.

So is a rate cut coming, and if so, how much should it be? and what will this mean for wholesale distributors?

This week, we cut through the economic confusion to bring you informed perspective on the economy, rate cuts, and the implications for wholesale distributors and manufacturers.

We also take a look at some important lessons that B2B marketers can learn from the world of B2C eCommerce. Here's a hint: storytelling is a good start, let's really start talking about customer personalization.

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This week, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell all but signed off on an upcoming rate cut. The market responded immediately, and a collective cheer went up among businesses and consumers alike.

But the question remains: how much of a cut will we see? And will there be multiple small cuts over time or a large single cut to supercharge growth? Oh, and does this mean a soft landing for the economy - no recession?

More importantly, what does this mean for wholesale distribution?

In this episode, Kevin and Tom look at all the implications of an upcoming rate cut (aside from the prospect of a lost bet and a steak dinner), including how jobless claims, business activity, and the general state of the economy factor into what's ahead.

And of course, we have a deep analysis of all this week's news in AI, B2B eCommerce, M&A, cybersecurity and supply chain!

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