An important recent trend in the supply chain involves omni-channel retailing. Additionally, others are experimenting with different distribution models. For example, some manufacturers are going right to the consumer and cutting out the distributor. For this discussion, consider the following scenario, A distributor has heard that one of the major manufacturers from which it buys is considering going direct to the consumer. What can the distributor do about this? What advantages can it offer the manufacturer that the manufacturer is unlikely to be able to reproduce? In your initial post, explore this scenario and answer those questions.