The market downturn is far more significant than most people projected and in turn is causing many people a fair amount of pain. Companies that loaded up on inventory or had high cost models of distribution to support never ending sales growth are seriously challenged when the remaining buyers are searching for real savings and value instead of gimmicks. Some of the old business models don’t work anymore and the same inventory that used to be their growth engine is like a noose around their necks. Real … [Read more...]
THE GOLD RUSH IN HOUSING -PERSPECTIVES FROM THE DOT COM BUBBLE
May 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment
The "gold rush" in housing created unprecedented demand. From a products perspective, it created demand for building materials from flooring to decking to everything in between as new suppliers entered the market to fill the needs. It was not just manufacturers, suppliers, and home builders that wanted in. Everyone wanted a piece of the action. Decorating shows went prime time. It seemed like every time I turned on the TV, there was a new show like "flip this house" which explained how easy it was … [Read more...]
What is the Long Tail?
April 23, 2008 By 1 Comment
The long tail is a term coined by Chris Anderson. I have had the privilege of hearing Chris speak and I can tell you that it is one of the best speeches I have heard in how it relates to business.The Long Tail is a theory that suggests that given enough choice and an economic model to service that choice, buying patterns of the population changes. In other words, the 80/20 rule changes.For a long time, suppliers were in control. We watched what was on television, bought what was available in retail … [Read more...]
BuildDirect’s distribution platform recognized
April 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Without wanting to use this blog as an advertsement for our company, there are times that I am very proud of the team and company we are building. This is one of those times as I read that BuildDirect was recently recognized by the British Columbia Premier's Technology Council. From the latest report: "In the construction industry, BuildDirect, a BC company, has revolutionised the distribution of building materials. By approaching the manufacturers directly, they have cut the costs that … [Read more...]
The Internet is revolutionizing the Flooring Industry
April 16, 2008 By 1 Comment
One of the leading magazines in the United States covering the floor covering industry is Floor Covering Weekly by Hearst Media. It is a magazine that I regularly read and I find it a great source of valuable information with respect to floor coverings and distribution. This morning I went to add a link to their online site from this blog and was SHOCKED!!!! Do they understand what a revolutionary impact the internet is having on the state of the Flooring industry? Shown below is what … [Read more...]
Travelling for a few days
April 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment
On my way to the UK for meeetings so posting may be light for the next couple of days. I came across a couple of articles this morning. Click here for the article showing the shutdown of more US distribution. Click here for the one talking about the rise in pricing around the world. … [Read more...]
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