Order Fulfillment

How much does a fulfillment center's geographical positioning matter in the grand scheme of things? And what role does third-party logistics, or 3PL, play? To understand what is a 3PL, let’s go over their basic task: 3PL providers offer services that encompass the entire supply chain management process, which includes warehousing and fulfillment. As competition…

It’s no surprise that starting preparations for the upcoming peak season immediately after the last is the surest way for retailers to see peak season success. However, this is often easier said than done. Ongoing economic turmoil and supply chain pressures continue to force brands big and small to focus on the here and now, often leaving little room…

Amazon.com is delivering its largest selection of products to U.S. Prime members at the fastest speeds ever, according to a blog posted yesterday by Doug Herrington, CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores. "With more than 300 million items available with free Prime shipping and tens of millions of the most popular items available with free same-day or…

Over the last few years, the norms of commerce, work and everyday life have been turned upside down, prompting customers and brands to re-establish how they connect. With 94 percent of customers saying that how they're treated influences their decision to buy from a company, it’s never been more critical to get the experience right.…

Today’s customers desire a friendly, efficient and dependable service. These changing behaviors compounded with new technology have increased overall consumer expectations. Indeed, customers expect a flawless shopping experience, whether it’s online or in-store. Retailers must be able to adapt and find new ways to fulfill orders effectively. In today's environment, retailers must employ a solid…

Amazon.com plans to tap thousands of U.S. small businesses, from bodegas to florists, to deliver its packages by the end of the year, Axios is first to report. On Monday, the e-commerce giant will start actively recruiting existing small businesses in 23 states including Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North…

Running an e-commerce business can feel like constantly having to play catchup. Every month, there seems to be a shiny new tech solution that retailers and brands absolutely have to invest in if they want to remain competitive. Whether it’s the latest logistics software or the buzziest artificial intelligence tool, for retail startups and small…

Today’s brands are enjoying a once-in-a-century gold rush predominantly sparked by rapid digital growth and a discernible willingness on the part of consumers to take their shopping experiences, even those once thought to be sacred to brick-and-mortar retail, into an e-commerce environment. Add to that a seemingly endless number of sales and distribution channels —…

Not all consumers are the same — and retailers are realizing that it’s not just buying behavior that differs across customers. While most e-commerce merchants employ data-backed buyer personas that describe what drives each ideal customer to purchase, many vendors are recognizing the value of implementing delivery personas and tailoring their delivery options to meet…

The retail industry is a marathon, not a sprint. While retailers and brands can’t risk falling behind their competitors in the short term, they also must plan for the long haul. To achieve this, investments must be made in areas that improve customer retention and conversion and reduce operational costs over the long term. However,…