Wholesalers Increase Their Exposure on the Web

Florida Has Counterfeit Drug Problem

Slow Sales for Retail Stores First Quarter Profits

Florida Has Counterfeit Drug Problem

5-28-03. According to recent reports, Florida has a high rate of counterfeit drug activity. 55 drug wholesalers are under investigation. Drug wholesalers are the middlemen between the manufacturer and pharmacies. In the political hot seat, lawmakers think one remedy may be requiring a “pedigree” that documents a drug’s manufacturing origin.

Wholesalers Increase Their Exposure on the Web

5-21-03. The use of the Internet has grown for wholesalers who use Web sites equipped with e-commerce to increase their sales. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, e-commerce revenue increased by 13% from 2000 to 2001. Recently, e-commerce vendors have emphasized sales to small and mid-sized businesses. Wholesale distribution is the way to go for growing companies; over 95% of the United State’s 300,000 wholesalers are small businesses. Drug wholesalers account for the most e-commerce sales, then motor vehicles parts and supplies.

Business to consumer (B2C) retail transactions grew 22% online , however, only represent 1.1% of the B2C transaction total.

Despite the increased use of technology, an “extreme lack of sophistication and understanding among wholesale distributors” exists. Many wholesalers are not familiar with ERP technology, PRM (partner relationship management), or WMS (warehouse management system).

In the Internet marketplace, there is no definitive leader and the top is up for grabs. This is great news because of the anticipated sales curve; however, many vendors still need to educate themselves on the technological advances. Foundation technology like simple financial and warehouse products that have upgrade opportunities should be purchased.

Technology companies are becoming increasingly hip to this rise in e-commerce by wholesalers and are targeting the small and mid-sized market for growth.

Slow Sales for Retail Stores First Quarter Profits

5-28-03. Sales have been slow to come for major retailers in light of the poor economy, global climate and cool weather. Why is cool weather a factor? It has hampered the sales of seasonal products like air conditioners, fans, and lawn-and-garden tools. Department stores continue to lose business to discount stores; however, Wal-Mart is looking to increase markdowns to get rid of bloated inventories (this could force all retailers to cut prices).

Stores with an increase in profits:

Home Depot

Staples Inc.

Nordstrom Inc.

Stores with a decrease in profits:

Lowe’s Cos.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

BJ’s Wholesale Clubs Inc.

Saks Inc.

Global 500 Companies Recruit on the Web

5-21-03. Research shows that the world’s 500 largest corporations use their Web sites to recruit staff. Corporate recruiting via the Web is strong and indicates geographic and industry specific trends. Reportedly, 94% of the largest global companies have career Web sites. Online recruiting allows dissemination of human capital to the broadest audience. Based on these statistics, corporate Web site recruiting by the Global 400 is evidence that the Internet is an acceptable option for attracting a talented and diverse workforce.