Order Fulfillment

In retail, confidence is a double-edged sword. Our recent industry analysis revealed a startling disconnect: while 93 percent of supply chain leaders entered the 2024 peak season confident they would meet customer expectations, post-season data showed that 58 percent struggled with delivery timing and order accuracy. This 35-point gap between expectation and reality cost retailers…

Increased volatility — in demand, sales, and shipping requirements — is driving complexity for e-commerce fulfillment in 2025. As social media turns traditional shopping on its head, retailers are experiencing massive spikes in demand in the wake of viral trends and surprise brand drops across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Merchants are also implementing more “sales…

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just another trend; it’s a transformative technology with near-universal appeal due to its extensive impact. In fact, 92 percent of businesses planned to invest in AI-powered software last year. Additionally, the number of AI products released in 2023 doubled that of prior years, according to Gartner. Retailers are no different in…

In a move meant to create an integrated, automated supply chain, Walmart has struck a deal with artificial intelligence-enabled robotics technology company Symbotic. Walmart said in a press release it would invest $520 million in Symbotic's AI-powered robotics platform, which will accelerate online pickup and delivery options and develop new pickup and delivery fulfillment systems.…

As we approach another holiday season, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands face unique operational challenges in meeting customer expectations while maintaining profitability. Scaling operations during peak seasons is of course no easy feat, however, by keeping a handful of key factors in mind DTC brands can navigate the complexities of holiday fulfillment successfully. Here are a few.…

Walmart will pay independent delivery drivers new financial incentives to pick up online orders at its U.S. stores and deliver them to shoppers during the holiday season. The move is part of Walmart's strategy for boosting sales to upper-income households and competing with e-commerce rival Amazon.com, which is selling more everyday essentials to shoppers that…

As the landscape of online shopping evolves, so do consumer expectations around how their orders are fulfilled. Recent research by HubBox explores key trends, challenges and motivations shaping the future of e-commerce, where delivery options extend beyond traditional home delivery to meet diverse needs. The Dominance of Home Delivery Seventy-six percent of American shoppers receive…

In recent years, the retail landscape has undergone significant transformations, with buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) emerging as a popular fulfillment option. While the pandemic accelerated its adoption, retailers now face the challenge of balancing BOPIS with other methods of meeting customer expectations, like same-day delivery. According to a Capital One survey, 87 percent…

Last holiday season, I found myself in a familiar situation: scrambling to find a last-minute gift. I had my eye on a pair of boots for a family member, but it was the day before our gift exchange. Because I live far from a major city, large e-commerce retailers don’t have the proximity for next-day…

As the holiday season approaches, retailers must brace themselves for another year of shifting trends and heightened consumer expectations. The 2024 shopping period promises to be even more intense, with a continued focus on online convenience, seamless in-store experiences, and faster fulfillment services. Preparing for the inevitable surge starts with understanding the trends shaping the…