Manufacturers believe inventory optimization will mitigate 'Amazon effect'

The rise of e-commerce is leading manufacturers to streamline operations and become less dependent on retail partners, according to a JDA Software survey.

By Kate Patrick Macri • April 4, 2018

To stay valuable, Nike, H&M invest in supply chains

In the world of fast fashion, retailers must speed up their supply chains and keep inventory backlogs to a minimum.

By Barry Hochfelder • April 3, 2018

Walmart brings Project Gigaton to China

Greenhouse gas reductions in China will account for 50 million metric tons of the 1 billion Walmart seeks to cut worldwide.

By Edwin Lopez • March 29, 2018

Walmart opening FedEx Office locations in 500 stores

The companies piloted the effort in 47 Walmart stores in six states, and will expand in the next 24 months.

By Daphne Howland • March 21, 2018

EBay taps AR to help sellers think outside the (shipping) box

The feature will help sellers on the marketplace with shipping challenges, like picking the right size box and estimating shipping costs.

By Dan Alaimo • March 21, 2018

5 days or less: Consumers set high bar for acceptable shipping times

Fast and free shipping are dominating the e-commerce delivery landscape, as the maximum acceptable shipping time decreases. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 15, 2018

Walmart ramps up grocery delivery to head off Amazon

The retailer will offer same-day service from 100 markets — reaching more than 40% of U.S. households — by the end of the year.

By Jeff Wells • March 14, 2018

Whole Foods to meet with disgruntled suppliers

The grocer will meet with manufacturers on March 19 to address concerns over new fees and the company’s centralized merchandising setup.  

By Jeff Wells • March 12, 2018

How Kohl's uses stores in pursuit of 'operational excellence'

The retailer's use of brick-and-mortar stores as fulfillment centers helps the company to satisfy customers' needs for instant gratification. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 8, 2018

Desperate for profits, retailers reinvent inventory strategies

Gap, J.C. Penney and Lowe's may be different types of retailers — but all share similar solutions to weathering the retail apocalypse.

By Edwin Lopez • March 8, 2018

5 factors that will shift retail supply chains

The annual RILA suply chain conference highlighted the changing landscape of retail and the necessity for a consumer-centric model. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 8, 2018

Zara aims to automate pickup with in-store robots

Enabling customers to pick up online orders in stores was a start. Now, retailers need to make sure the process remains an efficient one.

By Dan O'Shea • March 7, 2018

The Children’s Place and Gymboree: A tale of two specialty retailers

One invested in inventory technology, assortment and e-commerce. The other went bankrupt. What can the two children's apparel retailers teach retailers?

By Ben Unglesbee • March 5, 2018

Amazon adds photo confirmation for deliveries

The online giant has introduced a service in some areas that sends photographic evidence of an unattended package delivery to the recipient.

By Dan O'Shea • March 5, 2018

Walmart develops produce inspection technology to track freshness

The company's Eden project digitally tracks the quality and freshness of fruits and vegetables, and will save an estimated $2 billion over five years.   

By Dan Alaimo • March 5, 2018

JD.com launches AI, blockchain accelerator

The Chinese e-commerce company will begin working with six startups this month to test and scale real-world applications of these technologies. 

By Dan Alaimo • March 1, 2018

Amazon buys smart-doorbell startup Ring

The deal, which according to Reuters is valued at more than $1 billion, says much of Amazon's shipping ambitions.

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 28, 2018

Solving for the last mile is retail's next big disruption

Amazon could move the needle for delivery solutions, but will others follow suit, or even be able to keep up? 

By Lara Ewen • Feb. 27, 2018

Retailers: Supply chain visibility trumps same-day delivery

Consumers don't need packages "right now," as much as the ability to define when, where and how they will receive it.

By Kate Patrick Macri • Feb. 22, 2018

9 inventory pain points (and how to solve them)

From stocking woes to issues with suppliers, here are the most common inventory problems in the retail industry and the best ways to address them.

Feb. 16, 2018

Shipping by Amazon may cause over half of sellers to switch

The e-commerce company's new logistics service for Marketplace sellers will launch soon, and a majority report they plan to use it.

By Dan Alaimo • Feb. 15, 2018

Sam's Club perks up premium membership with free shipping

As part of a broader effort to reduce complexities, the wholesale retailer is also combining savings and business programs as competition with Amazon heats up. 

By Corinne Ruff • Feb. 14, 2018

Walgreens considers acquiring drug distributor Amerisource

A successful deal would give the retailer greater control over its drug supply chain. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Feb. 13, 2018

Amazon reportedly to launch challenge to FedEx, UPS

Rumors of a service at this scale have swirled for some time, but Amazon may finally be ready to unveil its ultimate delivery solution, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

By Daphne Howland • Feb. 9, 2018

Amazon to offer Prime Now delivery from Whole Foods stores

This week, the grocer began offering the service in four markets, including free two-hour delivery to Prime members on orders of $35 or more.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 8, 2018