Because of a slowdown in demand, which caused a huge buildup in inventory, distributors needed only $6.5 million in sales to make PURCHASING Magazine's Top 75 distribution ranking for 2001. In 2000, the cutoff was $8.8 million in revenue.

Four new companies made the list this year. Dee Electronics posted $22.5 million in sales, Marlac Electronics recorded $10.0 million in sales, House of Batteries registered $8.0 million in sales and Tim-Co Component Sales reported $6.5 million in sales. The Top 75 ranking lost two distributors, Kent Electronics, due to acquisition, and Questron Technology Inc., which filed for Chapter 11 protection.