Harry Clow of Newell explains how dealers can grow writing-product sales across education, healthcare, manufacturing and creative applications.
Writing products may be familiar, but the opportunities surrounding them continue to evolve.
In Episode 19 of Distribution Unpacked by SPR Studio, host Adam Fox speaks with Harry Clow, Senior Sales Manager at Newell, about how writing instruments and markers are finding renewed relevance across education, healthcare, manufacturing and creative applications.
Harry discusses Newell’s efforts to create new occasions for writing, from colorful products that support personalization and self-expression to renewed interest in handwriting within education. The conversation also examines how familiar items can serve highly specific needs beyond the traditional office. Dry-erase markers support communication in patient rooms, industrial markers help teams work across manufacturing and facility environments, and writing products remain essential throughout schools and other institutional settings.
For dealers, the opportunity depends on more than carrying a broad selection. Harry explains why sellers must connect products to the surfaces, tasks and environments where they perform best. With numerous marker formats, tip styles and specialized applications available, clear product guidance can help customers make better purchasing decisions while making the category easier for sales teams to navigate.
Adam and Harry also discuss the value of an omnichannel approach. Strong e-commerce content and digital experiences can efficiently support smaller customers, while traditional sales relationships remain important for larger projects and more complex opportunities. The most successful dealers, Harry notes, are often those that make manufacturer content accessible and keep the online and offline customer experience aligned.
The discussion concludes with Newell’s focus on simplifying a large portfolio through clearer application guidance, disciplined assortment decisions and innovation intended to address meaningful market needs.
This episode is especially relevant for dealers, sales professionals, marketers, merchandisers and purchasing teams looking to uncover new opportunities in established categories and present complex product assortments as practical customer solutions.
