Shipping

Retail Container Traffic to Increase 10% in March
March 13, 2012

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 10 percent in March compared with the same month last year, and year-over-year gains should continue through midsummer, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

Nordstrom to Offer Free Shipping on In-Store Buys
March 12, 2012

Nordstrom will offer free shipping permanently on all purchases at its more than 100 namesake department stores starting this week, increasing competitive pressure on its rivals. The move comes about six months after the retailer became the first department store chain to add standard free shipping and returns on online orders.

Etsy Sellers Concerned Over New Estimated Delivery Time Feature
February 28, 2012

Etsy is working on major changes to its shipping features and has some experienced online sellers concerned. Etsy called it a "big project with multiple phases" that it's undertaking in order to improve the shipping experience on the marketplace.

Caught in the Postal Downstream
February 1, 2012

In my role as second-in-command with American Catalog Mailers Association (ACMA), I’m often asked by members what they should do about their catalog marketing programs in light of the current state of calamity facing the nearly bankrupt U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

Best Practices for Shipping to Canada
February 1, 2012

Q: “What are some best practices around shipping orders to Canada? What practices ensure optimal customer service, and what shipping services, methods or providers do you use or recommend? Thanks!”
— Nicholas Cole, vice president of e-commerce, Trinity Road

Target's New Design Collaboration Thinks Local, Ships National
January 13, 2012

In a twist on its proven formula, Target announced a new partnership series that brings local boutique owners, rather than internationally recognized fashion brands, into the mix of its successful high-low designer collaborations. Five boutiques from across the country have designed limited-edition collections that will be sold in Target stores and on Target.com beginning in May.