For electrical distributors, their largest asset, and greatest differentiator, is their people. While inventory is a large line-item expense, the reality is that you can operate a electrical distributorship with little, if any, inventory if that is your business model.
It has been stated that certain events in US history can be cited as specifically changing our economic environment. Until a few years ago, every example was a war – Revolutionary, Civil, World War II, and Vietnam – until the
What do Arlington Industries and Pull Logic have in common? Both are innovators. And innovative companies drive change and are valued. Innovation Drives Acquisition Both companies are known as innovators and, coincidentally, received new “investors” with Arlington being acquired by
Channel friction inevitably occurs when money is involved. While the flow of money is always good, administering and reporting on it is where the friction comes about. This gets to the issue of “is the information accurate.” Achieving accuracy requires
We jokingly say that there was a demarcation of business in 2020. There is BC and AC. Before Covid and After Covid. This Black Swan event changed many things. In the case of the electrical industry, it was the harbinger
An unfortunate trend within the electrical distribution market is that gross margins either stay flat or the have been eroded. Reasons range from chasing business to “it’s what the market bears.” From selling more commodities or a change in business
We’ve shared that lighting is a significant segment in the electrical distribution industry. Typically, it is 15% of a distributor’s business. More so if they are in the commercial construction segment and in a metropolitan area (and yes, the percentage
As the calendar turned, many in the lighting industry said “good riddance” to 2025. It was a rocky road given the impact of tariffs on the project market and product pricing. At the end of the day for most it
In the electrical distribution 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? Last year we (Channel Marketing Group) conducted
While the electrical market is the poster-child for the phrase “every market is a local market”, it helps to have a macro frame of reference to guide you in what to look for. In the housing industry, there are two
Can you go through a day without hearing the word “datacenter” or “new industrial opportunity / facility?” And then, shortly thereafter you hear about future power needs. A few years ago, we heard how EV’s were going to drive electrification
Legrand announced full year 2025 earnings on February 12. As many know, this is a very diversified company specializing in electrical and digital building infrastructures through a range of high value-added products and solutions including lighting, controls, power management and
It’s earning season so that means it’s time for Kevin Coleman to share analysis and insights regarding leading manufacturers in the electrical industry. Below he shares input on Eaton and Atkore. Eaton’s Strong Growth and Margins Led By Explosive Electrical
Acuity shared their FY 2026 Q1 (really, 2025 CY Q4) results and their lighting business’ (ABL – Acuity Brands Lighting) performance was in line with our Q4 2025 Pulse of Lighting report findings … and we have no idea if
The 2025 Q4 Pulse of Lighting report revealed that many lighting manufacturers, lighting agents / manufacturer reps, and electrical distributors feel that lighting controls will be an important driver to helping them achieve their 2026 lighting goals. Lighting Controls Key
Many have talked about the need for some consolidation in the lighting industry, and there have been some small companies acquired but few that have good brand awareness. Yesterday Halco changed this. Halco announced that it acquired Topaz’ lighting business
David Gordon
Channel Marketing Group
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