Presidents Message: Wholesaler-Distributors in 2011
I sometimes think it is helpful to make comparisons with other wholesale industries in determining growth. Sales and the economy are affected by many internal and external forces, not the least of which is government actions or inactions.
Total Wholesale Trade had another strong year of growth in 2011 (an overall sales increase of 14.7%) for total sales of $4.8 trillion, according to Alan Beaulieu, Chief Economist for the National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW). The good news was liberally spread among different wholesale distribution lines of trade, as noted in the table below.
Durable Goods ended up 12.8% year over year, while Nondurable Goods posted a stellar 16.3% increase. The year was not without challenges according to Beaulieu, however, but for businesses with cash, it could not get much better. Employment increased 1.7% in 2011 to 5.6 million workers.
Compare your firm’s year-over-year results to the table below to determine if your annual growth rate kept up to, or surpassed, the industry’s activity for 2011.
2011 Sales Increases
|
Nondurable Goods |
16.3% |
|
Durable Goods |
12.8% |
|
Chemicals and Allied Products |
12.5% |
|
Electrical and Electronic Goods |
11.2% |
|
Groceries and Related Products |
10.7% |
|
Hardware/Plumbing/Heating Equip/Supplies |
9.2% |
|
Drugs and Druggist Supplies |
8.1% |
|
Computers and Peripheral Equipment |
6.4% |
|
Lumber and Other Construction Material |
6.3% |
|
Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions |
2.5% |
|
Paper and Paper Products |
2.3% |
|
Furniture and Home Furnishing |
1.8% |
Source: National Association of Wholesale Distributors (NAW Annual Report).
Until next time...
Moe Desmarais, President
P: 630-596-8791
E: mdesmarais@nasgw.org
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