Retail suppliers are still under strain — and it could hurt everyone

Stores are open, but vendors face longer payment terms and financial uncertainty, which could hit retail shelves just as the holidays ramp up.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 10, 2020

Fashion industry says purchase order cancellations will endure in Q3 and beyond

Despite reduced optimism about the industry's future, 90% of survey respondents plan to increase hiring over the next five years.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 7, 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

Can summer BOPIS practices forecast holiday trends?

With COVID-19 uncertainty and the holidays ahead, retailers must refine their buy online, pick up in-store operations. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 6, 2020

Home Depot adds 3 warehouses as DIY demand grows

The pandemic has shifted consumer behavior and buying patterns, but it hasn't deterred the retailer from its plan to invest in its distribution network.

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 5, 2020

Shippers eye struggling retail properties for conversion to last-mile, fulfillment centers

A shift to online shopping during the coronavirus outbreak has accelerated the trend of retailers retrofitting store properties for supply chain functions.

By Morgan Forde • July 29, 2020

Walgreens partners with DoorDash for on-demand deliveries

There are a growing number of partnerships between retailers and delivery providers as the pandemic keeps many customers at home.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • July 21, 2020

FedEx installs robotic arms for automated parcel sorting to handle rising e-commerce volume

The carrier is partnering with Yaskawa America and Plus One Robotics, starting with four robotic arms sorting small parcels in its Memphis hub. 

By Morgan Forde • July 17, 2020

NRF forecasts lowest peak season since 2014

While some impacts of the pandemic are fading, retailers are being cautious with the amount of merchandise they import, the trade organization said.

By Matt Leonard • July 14, 2020

Amazon preps for peak with restrictions on third-party seller warehouse space

"Even though it's July, we're preparing early for the holiday season to meet sustained increased demand," the company wrote in an announcement. 

By Emma Cosgrove • July 14, 2020

Rouses Market will pilot drone delivery this fall

Drones have yet to take off in the grocery industry but, much like autonomous vehicles, they promise to save retailers on costs associated with delivery. 

By Krishna Thakker • July 10, 2020

Will sustainability take a backseat to COVID-19 challenges?

Procurement leaders from top brands see the tools gained through sustainability work as assets against pandemic supply chain disruptions.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 10, 2020

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

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