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

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

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

UPS and Michaels launch contactless parcel pickup, drop-off service

Even as some stores slowly start to reopen, contactless delivery services are being utilized for customers to maintain social distancing. 

By Morgan Forde • May 1, 2020

UPS partners with CVS on residential drone delivery in Florida

UPS' Flight Forward division will run drones between a CVS location and a central delivery point near a local retirement community.

By Morgan Forde • April 30, 2020

Pandemic could cost Tractor Supply an extra $50M in operations spend

About 80% of the expected expenses are related to labor or benefits, while the remaining 20% is for supplies, safety and cleaning, executives said. 

By Matt Leonard • April 29, 2020

Why storefronts are boarded up during COVID-19

As the pandemic drags on, many companies have opted to cover up their stores. But is it the best decision long-term for a retailer's brand? 

By Kaarin Moore • April 22, 2020

Uber adds more contactless delivery services

The features come as some delivery apps pivot to prioritizing essential goods during the pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 21, 2020

Costco to offer prescription delivery through Instacart

Shoppers will receive a text message from their Costco pharmacy when their prescription is ready and have the option to add other items to their order. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 21, 2020

90-day delay of tariff payments does not include Trump administration duties on Chinese goods

Importers must demonstrate "significant financial hardship" to qualify for the temporary payment delay.

By Matt Leonard • April 21, 2020

Michaels launches contactless, same-day delivery

The craft retailer is among the latest to offer delivery options that support social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • April 20, 2020

DSW, Hy-Vee team up to sell shoes

Eventually, there will be shoe shops inside the Midwestern grocers' stores but the partnership launches first with a "digital experience."

By Jessica Dumont • April 17, 2020

Walmart reserves pickup hour for at-risk shoppers

The retailer is offering an early morning pickup option to assist customers who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 17, 2020

California approves Nuro's driverless vehicles to begin testing

Cities across the U.S. were seeing an uptick in interest in delivery robots and vehicles even before COVID-19 confined many people to their homes. 

By Chris Teale • Updated Dec. 29, 2020

COVID-19 wreaks havoc on inventories

Just when retailers had pared down thanks to a busy holiday season, merchandise is piling up again.

By Daphne Howland • April 14, 2020

Instacart aims to add flexibility, speed up grocery delivery

One new feature lets shoppers opt for the first available delivery time while another lets them place orders up to two weeks ahead. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 13, 2020

Amazon to pause its third-party shipping service

The e-commerce giant will suspend its Amazon Shipping pilot program starting in June.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 9, 2020