WSJ: Omnichannel fulfillment costs rising as e-commerce grows

Brick-and-mortar retailers are ramping up their ability to compete with e-commerce and please consumers that increasingly want to be able to shop across channels, and that’s hitting margins.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 29, 2016

Uber set to expand rush delivery service for retailers

The rideshare giant's API will soon integrate with retail sites. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 29, 2016

Inside three retail innovation labs

Take a peek at what’s incubating at Sephora, Kohl’s, and Sears’ test hubs.  

By Barbara Thau • Jan. 28, 2016

Pressured by Amazon, more retailers rush for speedy deliveries

While more online retailers are offering expedited same-day delivery, consumers still remain unwilling to pay much for the service. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 28, 2016

Major U.S. trucking companies not worried about Amazon

Swift Transportation and Covenant Transportation, the country’s largest trucking companies, dismissed the idea that Amazon’s own trucking operations would hurt business, saying there’s plenty of demand to go around.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 27, 2016

Report: In-store pickup a growing share of online sales

Almost a third of Sam's Club's e-commerce sales are picked up in-store.  

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 26, 2016

Is there ever a perfect storm for retailers?

Retailers increasingly have the ability to make weather forecasting work for them—helping them respond to extreme events like the recent winter storm Jonas.  

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 25, 2016

Report: Returns can (sometimes) lead to sales

How lenient to be about returns is a complex question, and retailers may want to consider different policies depending on the situation.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 25, 2016

Amazon touts job creation record amid assertive moves in Europe

Sainsbury’s bid for Home Retail, owner of retail goods chain Argos, is seen as a response to increased competition in Europe from the American e-retail giant.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 25, 2016

Amazon in court over Prime Now drivers' working conditions

The drivers say they’re being treated as employees because of the strict requirements of where and when they work.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 20, 2016

Report predicts physical stores will morph into e-commerce showrooms

The model, already used by menswear retailer Bonobos and others, will become more prevalent within 10 years, according to IBM’s Retail 2025 report, due out in February.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 19, 2016

Retailers beware: Shipping rates from major shippers set to rise

Dimensional pricing and increased rates from the major shippers mean that retailers have to be smarter about their logistics.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 15, 2016

Amazon's latest delivery experiment: Bicycles

The pilot in India’s most crowded metro areas is part and parcel of Amazon’s penchant for exploring every delivery means possible to improve logistics at the lowest possible cost.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 15, 2016

Big shipping ambitions? Amazon enters ocean freighting business through Chinese subsidiary

The e-retail giant has received considerable attention for its purported shipping ambitions. A filing with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission through its Chinese subsidiary raises further questions about what exactly those ambitions may be. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Pitney Bowes buys cloud software firm to boost shipping logistics for e-commerce

The acquisition of Enroute Systems Corp. will help clients find shipping options and track packages.

By Ian P. Murphy • Jan. 14, 2016

Survey: 32% of holiday shoppers used 'click-and-collect' in 2015

More shoppers than ever took advantage of omni-channel options this holiday season, research shows.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 14, 2016

Retail holiday hiring fell again as e-commerce grows

This holiday saw e-commerce sales rise 20%, by some measures.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 13, 2016

4 forces retailers will have to confront in 2016

The winners will be the retailers who take the steps necessary to stay in control.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

Amazon's acquisition of delivery company hints at larger ambitions

Some believe that the e-retail giant's shipping acquisitions abroad are a sign of greater ambitions in delivery and fulfillment.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 12, 2016

What China's troubles mean for retailers

The burgeoning middle class in China has been a boon to retailers. But things are changing, and retailers need to be on their toes.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Louis Vuitton suing online sellers in China over fakes

Partnering with Alibaba’s Taobao or JD.com is an essential way for retailers to sell to China’s vast middle class. But many have had to become more savvy about battling counterfeiters. 

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Report: Retail inventories to stay high for months

Import volumes at U.S. ports are bloated, but things aren’t as bad as they were during the 2014 West Coast port slowdowns.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 11, 2016

Inside Amazon's delivery ambitions

Amazon continues to make strides in its delivery and shipping innovations, with moves that will have varied impacts on traditional shippers and retailers.

By Melissa Anders • Jan. 7, 2016

Apple reportedly scaling back iPhone production

That could have a ripple effect on the many Asian manufacturers that supply iPhone components, but some say Apple will be fine in the long term.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2016

Among Amazon's marketplace factoids, a key Prime improvement

The retailer found a way to address something its Prime members have long been clamoring for: more items eligible for free two-day shipping.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 6, 2016