Amazon's acquisition of delivery company hints at larger ambitions

Some believe that the e-retail giant's shipping acquisitions abroad are a sign of greater ambitions in delivery and fulfillment.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

What China's troubles mean for retailers

The burgeoning middle class in China has been a boon to retailers. But things are changing, and retailers need to be on their toes.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

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The state of retail returns

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

By Retail Dive staff

Louis Vuitton suing online sellers in China over fakes

Partnering with Alibaba’s Taobao or JD.com is an essential way for retailers to sell to China’s vast middle class. But many have had to become more savvy about battling counterfeiters. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Report: Retail inventories to stay high for months

Import volumes at U.S. ports are bloated, but things aren’t as bad as they were during the 2014 West Coast port slowdowns.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Inside Amazon's delivery ambitions

Amazon continues to make strides in its delivery and shipping innovations, with moves that will have varied impacts on traditional shippers and retailers.

By Melissa Anders • Jan. 7, 2016

Apple reportedly scaling back iPhone production

That could have a ripple effect on the many Asian manufacturers that supply iPhone components, but some say Apple will be fine in the long term.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2016

Among Amazon's marketplace factoids, a key Prime improvement

The retailer found a way to address something its Prime members have long been clamoring for: more items eligible for free two-day shipping.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2016

3 ways the retail holiday season was different in 2015

The numbers aren’t all in yet, but there are three major trends that could be driving forces in 2016.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2016

El Niño's warm weather is costing retailers $500M

And the hit will continue into the spring and fall, experts say.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 4, 2016

UPS delivers every package by Christmas Eve, FedEx misses

UPS David Abney says that the company’s new systems will make it indispensable to retail e-commerce, including Amazon, at the holidays and beyond.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 30, 2015

UPS could lose as Amazon bulks up its own delivery service

But can Amazon handle the logistics? After all, a troubled delivery record could quickly wreck an e-commerce business — even Amazon’s. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 23, 2015

Heavy numbers of holiday orders slow USPS site

The postal service’s tracking site was slow at one point Tuesday morning due to 'unprecedented' demand.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 23, 2015

Omnichannel proves challenging for some retailers this holiday season

While many retailers feared an inventory glut, the problem for many hot items is out-of-stocks.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 23, 2015

Startup helps track human rights abuses in supply chain

Segura Systems snagged 2 million pounds in its first institutional investment round.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2015

Retailers struggling with in-store pickup during the holiday season

Shoppers have complained about poor notifications, last-minute unavailability, or waiting too long to pick up their orders.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2015

Report: Amazon exploring launch of air-freight operations

The retailer may lease up to 25 planes in the next three years, reports the Wall Street Journal.  

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 21, 2015

Jet warns some holiday packages will be delayed

The delivery delays may not be the newcomer’s fault, but the timing isn’t good.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2015

EBay setting up mall pop-ups to help with unwanted gifts

The company is under pressure to step up its growth and sales after its spinoff of payments unit PayPal and in the face of Amazon’s formidable marketplace.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 17, 2015

Retailers again offering late shipping guarantees to holiday shoppers

Yet UPS and FedEx are already having trouble meeting the delivery demand spurred by a boom in e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2015

Eyeing procrastinators, Kohl's will be open 170 hours straight

The 170-hour marathon starting tomorrow could help the struggling retailer seal the deal this holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2015

Hoverboard safety concerns growing

One of the most popular holiday gifts this year is causing fires and explosions, sending people to hospitals, and damaging homes.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2015

WSJ: UPS, FedEx struggling with holiday delivery volume

E-commerce orders are surging again this year, and UPS in particular is wobbling under the pressure despite efforts to avoid past snafus.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2015

Amazon's delivery ambitions grow with thousands of new trailers

The company will continue to employ trucking firms to haul goods between warehouses and sorting centers in North America. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 7, 2015

NJ town blames Amazon for traffic troubles

The town of Robbinsville, N.J., is threatening to shut down one of the retailer's busy fulfillment centers. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 4, 2015

Amazon teases 'Prime Air' drone delivery fleet in video

The retailer plans to take to the skies worldwide with 30-minute deliveries. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 1, 2015