Technology has transformed the distribution industry so much that the industry is barely recognizable today. Back in the 20th century, when much of the distribution industry was shaped, distributers needed to be in close proximity to their customers in order to serve their needs. Today, customers can go online to explore choices that are not held back by geographic locations and compare these choices with a wider range of sources. At the same time, supply chain innovations are making it easier for distributors to fulfill orders from across state and continental lines. These factors have enabled the rise of super-distributors such as Amazon Business and Alibaba that are aggregating other distribution businesses—and making competition more intense.