Elizabeth Galentine

Graybar Taps Spirit of Innovation in Digital Transformation

This 150-year-old company is committed to being a digital innovation leader.

October 15, 2019

CEO Kathy Mazzarella draws on the distributor’s distinguished track record of being at the forefront of change and technological advancement to promote employee-led innovation efforts that are creating new pathways to strengthen customer connections and business growth.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Real-life examples of how distributors are strengthening digital engagement

Delivering Customer Value in a Digital Age

October 10, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

No matter how a distributor may be impacted by factors such as the uncertain state of the economy, the growing reach of a competitor or even where their company sits on the technology scale, the end priority is always around finding the best ways to bring value to the customer.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

Justin King joins product experience management platform as VP of B2B Strategy.

Salsify Acquires B2B E-commerce Consultancy B2X Partners

October 1, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

Justin King joins product experience management platform as VP of B2B Strategy.

Tariffs Bring Administrative Burdens for Distributors

Companies rise to the challenge through supplier communication and relying on long-term experience managing market uncertainty.

September 30, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

Fluctuating prices from hundreds of vendors, customers who want to be kept in the loop as to the source of price increases and signs of a potential market slow down are all impacts for distributors of the Trump administration’s ongoing tariffs on Chinese goods.

Subscribers should log-in below to read this article.

Talk of a potential slowdown isn’t stopping these manufacturers and distributors from anticipating a relatively strong year ahead.

Early Thoughts on the 2020 Outlook for Distribution

September 26, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

Talk of a potential slowdown isn’t stopping these manufacturers and distributors from anticipating a relatively strong year ahead.

Tackling the Talent Issue

The industry searches for skilled employees who are willing to stick around.

September 25, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

Distributors and manufacturers alike are facing similar challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining the right employees for their organization. Issues include the growing cost of wages, a shortage of available qualified laborers and an aging workforce.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

The Specter of Economic Slowdown

Tariff war with China contributes to uncertainty.

September 25, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

Despite some softening in the first half of 2019, most MDM Trends survey respondents feel relatively optimistic about the coming year, but would like to see the tariff dispute come to an end.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

The Central Role of Technology

From EDI to CRM, the industry turns to technology for growth and efficiency.

September 25, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

Distributors and manufacturers are increasingly investing in digital capabilities to reach larger audiences, understand customer preferences and grow their business.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.

Industry Addresses Talent, Technology and Tariffs

Respondents to MDM’s annual survey are cautiously optimistic about the future, despite challenges.

September 25, 2019

Elizabeth Galentine

No Comments

In MDM’s 2019 Market Trends survey, we asked the industry to share what’s on your mind as we head into 2020. The start of a new decade is carrying some old concerns with it, namely challenges surrounding retention and acquisition of talent, updating and taking advantage of evolving technology and the possibility of dealing with an economic downturn.

Subscribers should log-in to read this article.