Target will roll out fresh grocery pickup nationwide

Following successful tests, the company will add the service to more than 400 stores by the end of this month and to 1,500 by the holidays.

By Jeff Wells • June 25, 2020

How to prep reverse logistics for an upcoming 'flood of returns'

Technology and warehouse worker safety are critical as state reopenings could prompt an uptick in retail returns.

By Jen A. Miller • June 24, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

The state of retail returns

Retailers of all sizes are streamlining operations so customers can have a smooth return experience. 

By Retail Dive staff

Staples introduces same-day delivery via Instacart

The office retailer joins other companies in offering a delivery option for customers still looking to socially distance.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 15, 2020

Sam's Club rolls out curbside pickup across the US

The service will be free for Plus-level members of the Walmart-owned warehouse chain.

By Sam Silverstein • June 12, 2020

Big Lots adds delivery service from Instacart

The deal expands Big Lots' customer base to those who prefer the convenience of delivery or aren't comfortable visiting stores during the pandemic.

By Robert Williams • June 9, 2020

How the pandemic could fundamentally alter grocery store layouts

Backrooms will grow to fill online orders and retail floors will become smaller and more focused on shopper experiences, according to one expert.

By Jeff Wells • June 9, 2020

FedEx follows UPS with peak surcharges beginning Monday

Many shippers will have to absorb or pass on the extra cost in an already fraught environment, especially those experiencing a marked uptick in volume.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 5, 2020

Drones and delivery trucks could work together, but regulatory hurdles remain

Using drones and trucks for a hybrid delivery system could be the future of last-mile logistics, according to an MIT research paper. 

By Morgan Forde • June 4, 2020

From shipments to cash flow, pandemic uncertainty makes reopening harder

Nobody really knows how to forecast the next phase of the COVID-19 crisis without precedent. Getting it wrong could wreak havoc on retailers' operations.

By Ben Unglesbee • June 3, 2020

CVS Pharmacy tests self-driving vehicle delivery for prescriptions

The company, which partnered with robotics company Nuro, joins other retailers that have recently updated their delivery options. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • June 1, 2020

UPS announces peak surcharges on certain domestic shipments starting Sunday

The fees can add up quickly for e-commerce shippers confronted with exceptionally high order volumes during the pandemic.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 29, 2020

What will bring consumers back to brick-and-mortar stores?

Post-pandemic, the retailers that reopen without making major changes to how they do business could lose out, writes Consumers in Motion's Daniel Hodges.

By Daniel Hodges • May 28, 2020

Canceled orders, delayed payments: How supplier collaboration could reverse apparel's nose dive

Stakeholders envision a future of shorter lead times, data-driven planning and cooperation with vendors.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 26, 2020

Whole Foods continues to open online-only 'dark' stores

The retailer has dedicated six locations to filling e-commerce orders amid record demand.

By Jeff Wells • May 21, 2020

Rite Aid partners with Instacart to deliver healthcare, grocery essentials

The drug store retailer is following a larger trend of companies strengthening their delivery options during the pandemic. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 15, 2020

Grocers' fulfillment struggles are a windfall for online startups

Companies like Thrive Market and Imperfect Foods are racing to accommodate new shoppers and are focused on keeping them long term.

By Jeff Wells • May 15, 2020

After COVID-19, is curbside delivery here to stay?

The need for contactless fulfillment is spurring retailers of all sizes and categories to pursue new pickup options that could last.

By Caroline Jansen • May 14, 2020

COVID-19 changed the stakes for e-commerce. Do fulfillment networks need to change too?

The pandemic that cratered demand for discretionary goods and upped screen time has changed the risk calculus for online operations.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 14, 2020

"Where's my package?" Why answering this question is the key to building customer trust

Superior tracking capabilities underscore reliability by ensuring delivery certainty in an uncertain world.

May 14, 2020

Your business is essential. How do you protect workers during a pandemic?

Cleaning should be much more regular, gloves don't do much to fight coronavirus and other tips from health experts. 

By Matt Leonard • May 13, 2020

Target to acquire Deliv tech, as the last-mile startup shuts down

The mass merchant will use Deliv's proprietary batching and routing technology to research and develop faster and cheaper delivery methods.​

By Matt Leonard • May 12, 2020

Pandemic highlights the limits of store-based online fulfillment, experts say

The surge in online shopping has caused retailers to rethink their selling floors and backrooms, and to evaluate dedicated facilities.

By Sam Silverstein • May 7, 2020

Walgreens launches 'order ahead' service for drive-thru shopping

The digital service was developed and implemented in just a few weeks to give customers another way to practice social distancing. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 7, 2020

7-Eleven expands delivery through DoorDash, Postmates

As the pandemic keeps shoppers home, the convenience store chain now offers on-demand ordering from more than 90% of its U.S. locations.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • May 4, 2020

Walmart adds 2-hour delivery service

The retailer will lean on its vast store network and existing delivery partners to execute speedy last-mile deliveries. 

By Shefali Kapadia • May 1, 2020