Fast and free: How shipping expectations are changing retail

Customers have come to expect speedy delivery from their favorite stores, but only some can keep up. Here are the three moves Retail Dive is watching.

By Daphne Howland , Ben Unglesbee , Kaarin Moore , Caroline Jansen • Sept. 16, 2019

Verishop introduces free 1-day shipping

The feature comes as other retailers invest in their own delivery and fulfillment options.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 16, 2019

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

Walmart is going national with unlimited grocery delivery plan

After a well-received pilot this summer, the retailer will bring its Delivery Unlimited program to 1,400 stores in 200 more markets this fall. 

By Jessica Dumont • Sept. 12, 2019

Amazon's inventory value up 25% as it begins next-day shipping

Target, Walmart and Home Depot have all seen inventory grow compared to the same period last year, but none by as large a percentage as Amazon.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 12, 2019

Shopify to acquire robotics startup 6 River Systems for $450M

The announcement comes as e-commerce platforms expand their offerings to include supply chain services, and "cobots" become more accepted. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Sept. 11, 2019

Warehouse robotics companies raise hundreds of millions in VC funding

When Amazon purchased Kiva, it opened up the market for new competition, and those companies are now bringing in millions of venture capital.

By Matt Leonard • Sept. 10, 2019

Target to suppliers: Keep tariffs to yourself

The trade war is creating a stark contrast between which suppliers and retailers can shift the burden away from their balance sheets and which can't.

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 5, 2019

Esprit ceases work with Myanmar military-linked supplier

The fashion brand's decision follows a U.N. fact-finding mission report on the country, urging all foreign companies to scrutinize any business they conduct.

By Emma Cosgrove • Sept. 5, 2019

From traditionalists to Gen Z: Managing a multigenerational retail workforce

It can be difficult for retail managers to navigate the societal and generational differences in today's labor force, writes Fisher Phillips' Lauren C. Tompkins.

By Lauren C. Tompkins • Sept. 5, 2019

Apple will allow independent repair businesses to fix its devices

The announcement comes just a few months after the tech company expanded its authorized repair services to all Best Buy stores.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 3, 2019

Brooks Running Company debuts same-day delivery

The running apparel and footwear business is the latest retailer to roll out a speedy delivery option for consumers. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 22, 2019

Kroger expands Express store pilot with Walgreens

In Knoxville, Tennessee, the grocer will put mini stores inside 35 Walgreens, while the drugstore's health and beauty brands will hit select Kroger locations.

By Jeff Wells • Aug. 21, 2019

Asos intervenes when supplier cuts off wages, water, food to workers

Working with a local union and the Mauritian government, Asos facilitated payouts after the factory stopped paying workers months before liquidation.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 21, 2019

UPS: No residential peak delivery surcharges for 2019 holiday season

The carrier said it will leverage efficiencies from its expanded air freight network and automated sortation hubs and pass savings to customers.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 20, 2019

Macy's draws on Google Cloud for warehouse optimization

The new software, developed in-house, will initially support more than 200 of the retailer's off-price Backstage stores.

By Naomi Eide • Aug. 15, 2019

8 ways warehouse construction has evolved

E-commerce has had a major impact on the design of supply chain facilities. Here are some ways that these projects have transformed recently.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 15, 2019

Online retailers are transforming warehouse construction

U.S. builders are struggling to keep up with demand from clients like Amazon, Walmart and Kroger for specialized distribution centers.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 14, 2019

USTR: 10% tariffs on 'certain' electronics, clothing from China delayed to Dec. 15

"We're doing this for the Christmas season," President Donald Trump said in response to postponing some tariffs.

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated Aug. 14, 2019

Is Walmart doing enough to protect workers in its supply chain?

The retailer has been auditing, investigating and reporting on its supply chain to clean up labor abuses, but experts say current best practices fall short.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 12, 2019

Amazon applies for waiver with FAA to allow drone delivery

The service would use drones to deliver packages of up to five pounds in 30 minutes or less.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 12, 2019

Target bets on in-store fulfillment

Choosing the right fulfillment option is about weighing cost and speed. Filling orders from stores may not be the ideal choice for every retailer.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 9, 2019

Price, delivery options drive consumer online shopping decisions

Ninety percent of consumers research products before making online purchases, with 58% citing Amazon as the top resource, per a UPS report.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Aug. 8, 2019

FedEx Ground won't renew delivery contract with Amazon

Until recently, parcel carriers brushed off the threat of Amazon's growing logistics network. That tune has changed.

By Matt Leonard • Aug. 7, 2019

Tariff whiplash is already taking a toll on retail

Retailers and brands have been scrambling to source elsewhere besides China, but it's not easy, quick or even possible for everyone.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 5, 2019

Trump: US to impose 10% tariffs on $300B in Chinese goods

The tariffs will take effect on Sept. 1. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Updated Aug. 2, 2019