Best Buy leans on distribution upgrades for faster delivery

The electronics retailer opened a new distribution center in Texas and upgraded technology at a New York facility.

By Philip Neuffer • Dec. 19, 2024

Dollar General scales back on temporary warehouses

The retailer plans to rely more on self-owned distribution centers to boost performance and capacity.

By Philip Neuffer • Dec. 16, 2024

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

Shoppers projected to return $890B in merchandise this year

According to an estimate by the National Retail Federation, returns will amount to 16.9% of retailers’ annual sales in 2024.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 12, 2024

How retailers prepped their supply chains for 2024’s holiday crunch

Companies adjusted inventory and marketing strategies to accommodate the shorter Black Friday to Christmas timeframe.

By Philip Neuffer • Dec. 10, 2024

Best Buy launches scheduled parcel delivery

The capability, live in several U.S. markets, allows customers to select a two-hour delivery window up to a week in advance.

By Max Garland • Dec. 9, 2024

Amazon says these areas of Washington, DC, are too dangerous for Prime delivery

The e-commerce giant faces a lawsuit from the District’s attorney general, alleging that Prime members in two zip codes aren’t receiving promised benefits.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 4, 2024

Walmart to close New Jersey Sam’s Club fulfillment center

Operations at the Swedesboro center will be relocated to other facilities within the retailer’s fulfillment network, a spokesperson said.

By Alejandra Carranza • Dec. 4, 2024

Dollar General hires technology, distribution execs

Tom Hutchins has been appointed senior vice president of technology, while Kevin Pinchon takes on a role as senior vice president of distribution.

By Howard Ruben • Dec. 2, 2024

Trump calls for 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico

The president-elect also called for an additional 10% tariffs on imports from China as part of his day one White House plans. 

By Philip Neuffer • Nov. 26, 2024

VF to lay off 242 employees at Virginia distribution center

The facility’s closure, announced earlier this year, comes as the company faces declining earnings and a recent S&P downgrade.

By Lara Ewen • Nov. 25, 2024

Target’s supply chain investments power holiday season ambitions

The retailer expects to quadruple its order processing output and ramp up next-day delivery at its sortation centers.

By Philip Neuffer • Nov. 21, 2024

Lowe’s prepping for ‘what may be coming from the administration’ on tariffs

The retailer said it diversified its supply chain after Trump’s first tariffs, but that 40% of its assortment is sourced abroad and more levies would add costs.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 19, 2024

Home Depot will leverage experience to tackle tariffs

The home improvement retailer plans to take a "differentiated" approach built on its previous efforts to navigate higher duties.

By Philip Neuffer • Nov. 19, 2024

Ulta Beauty bets big on market fulfillment center model

As part of its supply chain transformation, the beauty retailer is retrofitting some of its regional distribution centers with automation upgrades.

By Alejandra Carranza • Nov. 18, 2024

Yeti, E.l.f. Beauty and others prep supply chains for Trump tariffs

Some businesses are planning more production outside of China or mulling price increases. Others are maintaining the status quo.

By Max Garland • Nov. 18, 2024

5 obstacles to effective supply chain partnerships (and how to solve them)

New research reveals 5 barriers to supply chain collaboration and proven ways to overcome them.

Nov. 11, 2024

Amazon launches same-day drone delivery in Arizona city

Customers near the company’s Tolleson facility can get thousands of items delivered by air, but there are limitations.

By Max Garland • Nov. 8, 2024

Amazon’s inbound fulfillment process is getting a makeover

CEO Andy Jassy said initial efforts to improve inventory placement are bearing fruit while more investments are underway.

By Max Garland • Nov. 4, 2024

Tumbler manufacturer Stanley using AI to predict supply disruptions

Stanley 1913 expects to improve scenario planning and supply chain visibility with the Kinaxis Maestro platform. 

By Kelly Stroh • Oct. 30, 2024

Amazon warns of West Coast capacity constraints

Cross-docking inefficiencies are leading to issues bringing inventory into the company's fulfillment network, experts say.

By Max Garland • Oct. 28, 2024

Amazon to end same-day delivery service from retailers’ local stores

The program, called Amazon Today, will operate until Jan. 24, as the company streamlines its fast shipping offerings.

By Max Garland • Oct. 24, 2024

Retail inventories in good shape for holidays: NRF CEO

Matthew Shay said companies averted disruptions related to the East and Gulf Coast port strike by moving goods early.

By Alejandra Carranza • Oct. 23, 2024

Why apparel companies embrace supplier scorecards

The tool can help build more transparent sourcing relationships and better measure supply chain metrics.

By Kelly Stroh • Oct. 21, 2024

Amazon to deploy AI tech in delivery vans

Vision-Assisted Package Retrieval aims to help drivers quickly find packages and save time on routes.

By Max Garland • Oct. 21, 2024

Foxtrot relaunches delivery, reopens third location

Restoring e-commerce services marks the beginning of a return to form for Foxtrot after a tumultuous past several months.

By Brett Dworski • Oct. 16, 2024