Retro BOSS Awards 
reflecting history?

Partying with paperclips as
an iceberg imperils future?

The BOSS Awards ceremony has been a wonderful celebration of excellence for over 40 years. But it's tired, too narrow, too predictable lacking in innovation and broadline business supplies' expansion? Maybe still relevant in stationery and office supply, but in our view 10 years behind the US market category development. Full nomination preview here, first...

WBMason Trains up
'University' Show

Personalized services... first
drive 'OneSourceWonderful'

US #1 independent, mega-distributor WBMason famous 'Annual Sales Meeting & Consumer Show' starts on Monday. Over 2000 sales and support people will attend including 200+ vendors and exhibitors. We preview the show with CEO Leo Meehan on progress and his growth plans to be presented at the 'University' themed event. Exclusive full interview here... tomorrow

Pepsi loses fizz
in flat US market

Snacks flat. EMEA & Asia
beverage sales stronger

Pepsico the $100Bn+ food & beverages marketer to consumers and business reported growth in snacks, but down in refreshments. CEO Ramon Laguarta claimed "an acceleration in volume growth in both global beverages and convenient foods." Really? Full analysis here, first...

Samsung chip sales
SOAR from AI boost

Mobile eXperience/Networks 
sales recover inc Galaxy S25

Rural WFHomers
RTO more v urbans 

"Hybrid Work lasting" despite
CEO's 5day mandate pressure

Workers in UK market towns are returning to the office in greater proportions than urban based people, according to IWG the leading supplier of office space. “WFH provides greater flexibility and reduces property costs while employees cut expensive commutes”. Full analysis here, first

TDSynnex secures
A I D C  distributor

"Specialist complementary
skills for vendors & partners"

Mighty $80Bn IT wholesaler TDSynnex has agreed to acquire a leading US Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) specialty distributor. "We're excited about the opportunity to combine its expertise with our global resources, investments and reach" said Reyna Thompson, President of North America. Full story here, first..

Vulture Sycamore
has stripped Boots

Essendant dead. Staples sunk.
Walgreen Wasteland bound?

Vulture capitalist Sycamore Partners ihas agreed with billionaire Weston retail family to strip out successful UK Chemist chain Boots from its Walgreen's ownership. Walgreen has lost most of its capital value since 2015 and looks like another casualty headed for the graveyard? Full story here, first...Updated  for deal done today 

Disruptors at Gate!
Early alert defence 

History and Lessons learned.
The clear & present dangers?

There’s been a narrative about disruptors v disruptees in the busines supply market for 50yrs. It suggests the latter were complacent and and the first took advantage of their false sense of security. We review the historical examples in mail order, superstores, VC/public backed superdealers; and of course Amazon. Moreover, we highlight the current disruptor dangers and how to defend.....tomorrow

R i c o h  review:
Running on empty? 

Low profitability in growth
& declining print markets 

Japanese based Ricoh the $17Bn print and digital managed services giant announced plans to conduct a 'Strategic Masnagement Review' led by independent directors. The key issues are low profitability in the growth digital office services business; and the declining printing business. Full anaysis here, first...

MSP's urged to
make AI happen

Focus on 77% of revenues
coming from current users

AI could represent the biggest opportunity the channel has seen in at least a generation, but Managed Service Providers (MSPs) "will need to move rapidly towards practical implementation" according to new The Channel Company research presented at CRN UK’s XChange MSP. We analyse the presentation here, first...