Shipping

The allure of next-day delivery, epitomized by giants like Amazon.com, has long been perceived as the ultimate customer magnet. Retailers have raced to replicate this speedy service, believing it to be the key to consumer satisfaction. However, recent insights into shifting consumer preferences reveal a surprising truth: speed of delivery isn't the sole determinant of…

Peak season has become increasingly competitive for retailers. As more consumer spending shifts online, a convenient, seamless delivery experience has gone from a differentiator to table stakes. Shoppers expect fast, flexible, inexpensive delivery options. The Baymard Institute reports that 48 percent of cart abandonments are due to high extra costs (like shipping and fees) and…

Kohl's customers can now get same-day delivery thanks to a partnership between the department store chain and Instacart, the companies reported last week. Customers can now place scheduled or same-day delivery orders for 1,172 Kohl’s locations nationwide. Kohl's rewards can also be earned through Instacart purchases . “With Kohl’s as one of the first department…

Walmart is raising its return shipping rates for seller-fulfilled orders, citing "changing market conditions," according to an update posted this month on the Walmart Marketplace website. While the retailer doesn't make its return shipping rates public, the company told Talk Business it’s the first rate increase in two years. Walmart marketplace allows third-party sellers to…

Businesses are constantly having to navigate unexpected issues with their shipping processes and the real consequences that come to their bottom line. From upstream disruptions such as havoc in international waters that clog ports and upend access to goods, to downstream disruptions like inclement weather that mess with on-time-delivery (OTD) rates, the supply chain as…

DoorDash has entered the home improvement category with a new partnership with Lowe’s Companies. The delivery aggregator announced yesterday that it will offer on-demand delivery from more than 1,700 Lowes' stores nationwide. This partnership marks DoorDash’s first foray into the home improvement category and builds on the significant selection offerings on the platform, with more than 99…

Consumers want convenience, personalization and value — it’s what pushed the U.S. retail market to a record $5.13 trillion in 2023. As inflation subsides, what shoppers want and how they spend will keep playing a big role in how the market evolves. Retailers need to keep pace with a more connected, savvy and discerning customer…

COVID-19 may have started the fire, but the online shopping boom is showing no signs of burning out. As consumer expectations grow alongside this blazing industry, many are placing a stronger focus on the shipping experience itself. This is why retail giants like Amazon.com are making fast and free shipping incentives table stakes, with recent…

The explosive growth in e-commerce that flowed from the COVID-19 pandemic has made last-mile delivery more important than ever in the retail industry. Companies that meet consumer expectations when it comes to last-mile delivery will be well-positioned to thrive. Meeting those expectations, however, is easier said than done, as consumers want delivery to be fast,…

E-commerce brands have been through a tumultuous few years. The pandemic in 2020 brought a surge in online shopping which has never subsided. As consumers have increased their online purchases, their expectations for low cost, simple, fast and reliable delivery have also grown. Retailers are recognizing that the delivery experience can have a huge impact…