Action and Reaction
Remember manufacturer sales people? There might be a connection between their reduction and a renewed strength of the OE brand.
The Industry’s Backbone
A healthy supplier base is essential to the survival of both the OEs and the aftermarket.
My Kingdom For a Caliper, Part II
First it was an availability issue. Then it was a cataloging problem. Both situations resulted in lost sales for the store.
Communication is the Key
What percentage of parts are sourced from the OE dealer? To the aftermarket, the percentage is high – too high.
Wanna Work Third Shift?
Customers expect a lot, and it’s up to the industry to cater to those expectations. In some cases, it’s our duty to change them.
A More Focused Installer
Sears Canadas recent decision to exit the repair market signals a trend that impacts the industry on both sides of the border.
Different is Good
Hyper differentiation is the key to surviving in the increasingly crowded world of auto parts distribution.
Who Will Be the First?
Pricing pressures are putting the market in an uneasy position, one that creates unrealistic expectations in the customers mind.
Changes in Leadership
So far, 2004 has brought notable changes in leadership at several distribution powerhouses, including the passing of an industry icon.
An In-Depth Look
Counterman’s ranking of the 20 largest store groups in the United States remained pretty much unchanged since last year, except for one caveat: The big are still getting bigger. Comparatively, 2003 was a quiet one in the world of aftermarket distribution consolidation. Nevertheless, mergers and acquisitions continued over the last 12 months, albeit at a
An In-Depth Look
Counterman’s ranking of the 20 largest store groups in the United States remained pretty much unchanged since last year, except for one caveat: The big are still getting bigger. Comparatively, 2003 was a quiet one in the world of aftermarket distribution consolidation. Nevertheless, mergers and acquisitions continued over the last 12 months, albeit at a
A Distribution Rebirth
The rebirth of the Authorized Jobber has forever changed the dynamics of the distributors role in the aftermarket.