Publisher’s Perspective: The Point of No Return
I‘ve just hung up the phone, after having an interesting conversation with one of my favorite readers. He runs a successful chain of stores in New England, and I’m always more enlightened after having spent even a small amount of time with him. What prompted his call? It’s the alarming rate of labor claims his
Membership Has its Privileges!
You can point to many industry influences, but none can hold a candle to the importance of programmed distribution. Its evolution within this market has been the single-most influential phenomenon our industry has ever seen. Nobody sells more automotive products (combined) today than NAPA, the industry’s very first group. With some 6,000 participating outlets, no
Who Are Ya Stickin’ It To?
While WDs and retailers have been “sticking it” to their suppliers, they might really have just been “sticking it” to themselves.
Expectations
By now, our entire industry is well aware of the "Chinese presence." What astounds me is that it took so long for so many to actually grasp this reality. Not to be an alarmist, but if you’re a manufacturer or large-scale purchaser of automotive products and you haven’t made your way to China by now,
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
In the automotive aftermarket, for far too long, parts manufacturers have allowed their products to become commodities.
The Real Rock Stars
If technicians are the industry’s rock star, what are the parts professionals?
Channel Partnering
In a recent interview on our e-news daily aftermarketNews (AMN), Affinia President and CEO Terry McCormack made some very poignant comments regarding the interaction between customers and channel partners in the automotive aftermarket. Terry is a distinguished and respected aftermarket leader, with more than 30 years of experience. So, when he speaks, he’s drawing from
Thank You, Bob
Sometimes you don’t realize just how important a person was to you until they’re gone.
Repairing the Repair Image
Want to repair the industry’s less-than-perfect image? The solution starts every time you interact with a customer.
Where Have All the Students Gone?
Automotive Career Week is a program sponsored by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), and is not affiliated in any way, shape or form with any part of the automotive aftermarket. Hooray for them. Shame on us.
Should You…Or Shouldn’t You?
Rising prices. What can you do about them? In response, maybe you’ve already implemented a price hike for your own customers. Or, perhaps you’re sitting there contemplating whether a price adjustment is appropriate – or wise.
Finding the Best Candidate
Choosing the Counterperson of the Year is no easy task. The candidates are simply amazing, talented and caring people. They are the best at their profession.