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3 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

Failing  F e d E x
forfeits sameday

Typical cost cutting move
in anti-customer strategy

FedEx plans to end SameDay City service. The carrier is ditching what it extravagantly dubbed “the fastest shipping option” in metro areas as it cuts costs in the face of declining demand. No surprise, given ceo Ravi Subrahamian apes founder Fred Smith's anti-customer behaviour. Meanwhile, Amazon and UPS eat their lunch with superior immediate customer service

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3 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

Printer study gives
wrong impression?

Context's European market
report misleads on trends

"Sales through European printer distributors increased in Q4 2022, with both volumes and revenues exceeding expectations, according to CONTEXT, the IT market researcher. Proficiency Index analysed 4 of top 6 Japan printermakers Q4'22 reports; whilst there's been recovery from 2021 lows, these have been inflated by prices and FX. Volumes are still well below 2019. 

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3 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

SCJ: Doing the
right thing 'cleanly'

Environmental champion
speaks plastic pollution

SC Johnson, the family owned $12Bn cleaning brands giant, has a long history of responsibility on environment and health effects of the chemicals in products. "We’ve often made changes in product formulation before regulations required, even if it hurt sales". CEO Fisk Johnson explains history and progress...

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

AMZNIFICATION
biz supply flattens  

Services/3Pty sellers strong
US sales steady, Int'l weak

Amazon's amazing sales growth decelerated for the 7thQ running in Q4'22, 'normalizing' to 2019 slower growth rates. Investments in tech, marketing and its leading logistics business dragged down profits. The 'Everything Store' is consumers' & business' 'first call' broadline supplier and gained increased market share in product and services sales. Updated 

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

Healthy Hygiene
mkt momentum?

Who's winning mkt share?
12%+ avge price inflation

Hygiene is now #1 business supply category alongside technology. Progressive business suppliers: brandmakers, dealers have pivoted into hygiene, safety, foodservice & packaging, WFH-tech & wellness services. Proficiency Index Q4'22 analysis is underway with brands' volumes slowing, boosted by double digit price hikes. Updated for IP, Stora, Berry, Grainger, Honeywell, Amazon & Clorox. Next week Newell, Unilever, Sealed Air

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

Apple bitten by
iPhone shortages

'Watch', iPad & Services
steady, hurt by $ strength

Apple, the ultimate personal productivity tool designer, reported a sales & profits decline in Q1'23 hit by iPhone shortages and a strong US dollar. CEO Tim Cook waspleased about growth in Services now running at $80Bn+ annually. 

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

Starbucks steams 
back with Schultz!

US recovered but China hit
by continued Covid hiatus

Starbucks, the international personalized coffee services giant inc. business delivery, reported good Q1'23 results with a strong US recovery, but China, hit by the continued Covid lockdown. Legendary interim ceo Howard Schultz described plans to reinvigorate the customer experience, challenge union issues and welcome a new ceo

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 3 Feb 23

Clorox collapse,
saved by prices

Chemicals maker losing
hygiene market share?

Clorox Company, the $7Bn in sales, cleaning brands giant, reported declining sales volumes over compensated by high price inflation in Q2'23. Lack lustre ceo Linda Rendle's optimism and market share gain claims were not justified by results. Updated

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 2 Feb 23

Arrow maintains
IT's sharpness

Enterprise Compute sales
strong inc. high price hikes

Arrow Electronics, the $36Bn in sales global provider of IT products, services reported strong sales growth from a tough market in 2019/20 . The new ceo Sean Kerins commented on the growth in global components fueled by higher prices. 

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2 Feb 23

Updated: 2 Feb 23

Grainger gains big 

from high inflation

CEO claims market share
wins in Hygiene & Safety

Grainger, the $15Bn+ in sales, leading international broadline industrial & business supplier reported accelerated sales momentum in Q4'22 "Sales were boosted by higher prices and market share gains in hygiene and safety supplies" claimed ceo DG MacPherson. Updated

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