Omnichannel proves challenging for some retailers this holiday season

While many retailers feared an inventory glut, the problem for many hot items is out-of-stocks.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 23, 2015

Startup helps track human rights abuses in supply chain

Segura Systems snagged 2 million pounds in its first institutional investment round.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2015

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

Retailers struggling with in-store pickup during the holiday season

Shoppers have complained about poor notifications, last-minute unavailability, or waiting too long to pick up their orders.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2015

Report: Amazon exploring launch of air-freight operations

The retailer may lease up to 25 planes in the next three years, reports the Wall Street Journal.  

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 21, 2015

Jet warns some holiday packages will be delayed

The delivery delays may not be the newcomer’s fault, but the timing isn’t good.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 21, 2015

EBay setting up mall pop-ups to help with unwanted gifts

The company is under pressure to step up its growth and sales after its spinoff of payments unit PayPal and in the face of Amazon’s formidable marketplace.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 17, 2015

Retailers again offering late shipping guarantees to holiday shoppers

Yet UPS and FedEx are already having trouble meeting the delivery demand spurred by a boom in e-commerce.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2015

Eyeing procrastinators, Kohl's will be open 170 hours straight

The 170-hour marathon starting tomorrow could help the struggling retailer seal the deal this holiday season.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 16, 2015

Hoverboard safety concerns growing

One of the most popular holiday gifts this year is causing fires and explosions, sending people to hospitals, and damaging homes.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 15, 2015

WSJ: UPS, FedEx struggling with holiday delivery volume

E-commerce orders are surging again this year, and UPS in particular is wobbling under the pressure despite efforts to avoid past snafus.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2015

Amazon's delivery ambitions grow with thousands of new trailers

The company will continue to employ trucking firms to haul goods between warehouses and sorting centers in North America. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 7, 2015

NJ town blames Amazon for traffic troubles

The town of Robbinsville, N.J., is threatening to shut down one of the retailer's busy fulfillment centers. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 4, 2015

Amazon teases 'Prime Air' drone delivery fleet in video

The retailer plans to take to the skies worldwide with 30-minute deliveries. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 1, 2015

Target: Our site didn't 'crash' on Cyber Monday

The retailer said Monday that difficulties shopping on its site were due to tactical metering meant to keep traffic flowing, but many customers weren’t exactly appeased by the distinction.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2015

Retailers' inventories whipped by various forces

Overstocks, out-of-stocks, and returns, made worse by West Coast delays, omnichannel efforts, and the weather, could cost retailers a whopping $1.75 trillion.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 1, 2015

Target site crashes Cyber Monday, while slow Wal-Mart site impedes some Black Friday doorbusters

Target seemed free and clear of website issues until Monday morning's Cyber Monday sales event.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2015

Neiman Marcus website down for much of Black Friday weekend

Other retail sites saw crashes or significant slowdowns over the weekend, but nothing close to Neiman Marcus’ hours-long blackout.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 30, 2015

Target's high inventory levels intentional, not a bug

Inventory is up 4%, the result of new strategies to keep key items in stock and meet omnichannel needs, the retailer says.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 25, 2015

5 mistakes from Black Friday past—and how retailers can avoid them

The enormous opportunity that is Black Friday comes laden with potential pitfalls that retailers have experienced all too often. 

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 24, 2015

Reuters: Wal-Mart failed to expand workforce even as it opened more stores

The condition of Wal-Mart stores may be due to a failure to hire enough workers. The fix, plus the retailer’s higher wages, could be expensive.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 23, 2015

Amazon, Google speed up holiday deliveries in more markets

Prime Now and Google Express have expanded to new markets including San Diego. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 23, 2015

Holiday prep includes same-day delivery push for many top retailers

There will be a lot of ways to get last-minute gifts to the front door—at least in New York City.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 19, 2015

Retailers are scrambling to fulfill online sales

Fast growth in e-commerce means new warehouses for many big chains. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Nov. 18, 2015

Star Wars has the retail Force this year

“The Force Awakens” merchandise is expected to bring in some $2 billion the last four months of 2015.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 17, 2015

Inventory glut may force retail holiday discounts

Many retailers have cited backlogs at West Coast ports as one of the causes of inventory buildup, but there are other reasons for upcoming holiday discounts.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 12, 2015