Supply Chain

As we progress into the second half of 2024, uncertainty still looms. For consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, unpredictable factors like ongoing geopolitical instability and a volatile economy make forecasting trends difficult. We’re likely to see the uncertainty continue, making it hard to achieve the level of visibility that aids companies in their planning. Fundamental…

As we approach the holiday season, retailers and logistics service providers (LSPs) like freight forwarders and warehouses are placing their respective orders to secure the availability of merchandise before shoppers add to their carts. This year, the holiday consumer landscape is slightly different. With U.S. businesses gearing up to import more goods now compared to…

Poor supply chain management can cost businesses time and money many times, with issues like inventory inaccuracies, complex and laborious processes, and security concerns holding enterprises back. Traditional supply chain management tools, like barcodes and manual counts, have limitations and can often lead to inefficiencies. And for the past several years, geopolitical and economic instability…

Across the globe, a transformative wave is reshaping the landscape of international commerce. Nations and economic blocs worldwide are instituting a broad array of supply chain due diligence laws aimed at eradicating forced labor and safeguarding human rights. These regulations mark the most concerted global push ever for more ethical supply chains, signaling an era…

In an age when technology is continuously redefining the landscape of commerce, augmented reality (AR) and 3D modeling have emerged as pivotal tools, transforming not only the customer experience but also the intricate workings of supply chains. These technologies, once confined to the realm of sci-fi movies, are now actively streamlining supply chains and significantly…

Multiple global regulations set to take effect in the coming years have made traceability an imperative for retailers and brands. These include the Digital Product Passport, the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and the New York Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act, to name a few. While companies are aware of the importance of traceability,…

Despite pandemic savings shrinking, student loan payments kicking back in, inflation remaining a pesky nuisance, and the labor market losing steam, these obstacles haven't deterred consumer spending. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that consumer spending increased 5.8 percent year-over-year, outpacing inflation by 1.8 percent. However, consumers aren’t easily opening their wallets for everyday…

The New York Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act (Fashion Act) is back on the agenda of the New York State Legislature. Introduced in 2022, and then reintroduced in 2023, the bill seeks to level the playing field among fashion companies by requiring improved due diligence on both environmental and human rights issues. The Fashion…

In a world where balance sheets and stakeholder returns reign supreme, the retail sector faces a challenge: balancing profitability with the preservation of branded experiences. It's often tempting for retail brands to believe they will save money by insourcing their fulfillment and logistics. Unfortunately, that decision often doesn't result in cost savings. Brands that view…

By this point, we've all seen the eye-watering growth projections for the e-commerce sector. But the truth is, those multitrillion dollar valuations are very hard-earned, and entrepreneurs often don’t get to experience those dividends until they're knee-deep in backorders, supplier delays, and frustrated customers. Today, even experienced SMB merchants are struggling to deliver on their…