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Wholesale Jobs Slide in March as Data Points to Softer Demand for Distributors
After several years of demand volatility tied to inflation, tariffs and supply chain disruption, many distributors have moved into a more defensive operating posture.
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Tariffs Reset in April, Forcing Distributors to Navigate Rising Costs and Refund Backlog
Distributors that import directly are already absorbing higher tariff costs and managing refund filings, while those that rely on suppliers face a lag before those costs are reflected in pricing.
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Distributors Face Rising Freight Costs as Amazon, Carriers Add Surcharges and Target B2B
For distributors, the shift is occurring alongside a second, equally important change: logistics providers are moving deeper into B2B delivery.
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MSC Resets Sales Model, Builds AI-Driven Growth Pipeline
A key element of MSC’s forward strategy is deeper supplier collaboration, supported by data and AI.
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Home Depot Appoints Former Ford AI Executive Fran Bell as CTO
Home Depot CEO Ted Decker said Bell’s experience in data and AI will support efforts to improve customer experience and streamline operations.
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QXO Completes $2.25 Billion Kodiak Deal, Expands into Lumber Distribution
The transaction positions QXO to scale in a fragmented sector where consolidation has accelerated, particularly across lumber and building materials (LBM).
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Sysco-Restaurant Depot Deal Puts AI, Data Strategy at Center of Omnichannel Expansion
AI is more likely to support sales productivity and customer insight over time than to serve as a central pillar of the transaction at closing.
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ASA: Distributor Sales Growth Holds in February as Economic Risks Build
The report reflects a distribution sector that continues to expand but is encountering growing headwinds tied to the broader economy.
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Sysco to Acquire Restaurant Depot in $29.1 Billion Deal, Expanding into Cash-and-Carry Segment
The acquisition combines Sysco’s contract-based delivery network with Restaurant Depot’s warehouse model, which allows customers to purchase products on demand.
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Amazon, Tech Platforms Push Agentic Commerce
One of the most significant recent developments comes from Amazon, which has expanded several AI-based shopping features designed to automate parts of the purchasing process.