In the industrial supply industry, we often talk about "backside dollars", or rebates, as a necessary part of the business. But are they a strategic asset or just a "tax" on doing business? Earlier this year we (Channel Marketing Group) conducted research, sponsored by Enable, a leading rebate management reporting system. on volume rebates and are releasing a new research … [Read more...] about New Research: Rebates Ensure Profitability
Converting POs to Digital Commerce, and a Christmas Offer
Last quarter's Pulse of Industrial Supply identified a significant divergence in the percentage of digital sales for smaller distributors vs large distributors. Perhaps its the customer base? It could be investments in eCommerce technology and product data. It could be marketing. But it could also be that smaller distributors are not being customer friendly, … [Read more...] about Converting POs to Digital Commerce, and a Christmas Offer
2025 Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply Report
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been sharing quarterly reports from distributors and manufacturers in the industrial supply space. For the most part the earnings, topline and bottom line, have been good / met expectations. The drivers – industrial market performance and tariffs, especially since tariffs increase pricing, so, sales dollar volume inevitably goes up. Here’s … [Read more...] about 2025 Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply Report
Grainger – Slow Growth in Q3. Indicative of Industrial Market?
Grainger reported 3Q 2025 results on October 31, 2025, with sales of $4.7 billion, up 6.1%, or 5.4% on a daily, constant currency basis. Overall, the results show continued steady growth and profitability amidst muted market demand. While the current government shutdown may have some impact on Grainger, given that about 4% of sales are to the federal government, it … [Read more...] about Grainger – Slow Growth in Q3. Indicative of Industrial Market?
Distribution Solutions Group – Strength in All Segments
Distribution Solutions Group, which serves the MRO, OEM and industrial technologies markets, announced their 3Q 2025 earnings results on October 30, showing a stronger than expected 10.7% growth in total sales, to $518 million. DSG Delivers Growth Organic sales grew 6% and 3.1% sequentially, over 2Q 2025. It was highlighted that all segments grew, led by Gexpro Services … [Read more...] about Distribution Solutions Group – Strength in All Segments
Gain Industry Insights. Participate in the Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey
Industrial Supply Trends is continuing our quarterly series of gaining marketplace insights and sharing it with you, helping you benchmark your performance. The Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply survey is now open, until September 24th. Results will be shared the first week in October. We need input from distributors, manufacturers, and independent manufacturer … [Read more...] about Gain Industry Insights. Participate in the Q3 Pulse of Industrial Supply Survey
AI for Industrial Supply IMR’s
From a tech viewpoint, AI is what companies talk about. Distributors are implementing it or at least discussing it. Not much gets shared within the manufacturer environment but it is well in use. Independent manufacturer reps (IMRs) have also asked the question. Some have dappled. Few are advanced. Most are intrigued but lack expertise and/or are concerned about … [Read more...] about AI for Industrial Supply IMR’s
Keeping Your Staff Focused on the Core Issues to Drive Profitable Growth
Sometimes a conversation or an article from an author catches your eye. As we were reading some articles from Dr. Jeffrey Magee we thought it would be interesting to share an article from Dr. Magee to our Industrial Supply Trends readers on his sales perspectives. Dr. Magee is well known speaker and author of more than 30+ books and has been involved in the distribution … [Read more...] about Keeping Your Staff Focused on the Core Issues to Drive Profitable Growth
Beating the Industrial Distribution Competition with Speed
Recently I saw information promoted by a company called Mydatafactory as I saw ad advertorial written by them that intrigued me as it spoke to how industrial distribution could compete more effectively. Rarely do you see software companies that understand distributor issues. They typically understand the issue solely from the perspective of how their tool can help distributors. … [Read more...] about Beating the Industrial Distribution Competition with Speed
Competing, and Winning, in a Tariff Induced World
It appears the initial tariff volleys have ended and we’re in for trench warfare for the next 60-90 days while deals get negotiated. The Eastern front will remain volatile given neither party will whisper “uncle” given that China is launching asymmetrical warfare as it broadens the issue from goods to services (which was to be expected.) Given that the word “decoupling” is … [Read more...] about Competing, and Winning, in a Tariff Induced World
