Supply Chain

As many countries grapple with a second wave of the pandemic, retailers are continually challenged to adjust to shifting consumer habits, anticipate spikes in demand for specific items, and meet delivery expectations. Additionally, in the U.S., e-commerce growth has jumped to over 30 percent, which represents a level of online shopping sales not previously expected…

When someone asks “what does artificial intelligence (AI) do for retail?” the first thing that comes to mind is likely something about personalization and the customer experience. For retailers competing online, it’s critical to offer that “you-know-me” type of experience that the Netflix’s and Amazon.com's of the world provide. Companies that can weave AI and…

For the past few years, the on-demand nature of the modern customer has been pushing retailers into a new era of data-driven, iterative decision making. As with nearly every other facet of digital transformation, COVID-19 has accelerated the need for decision making at every level of retail — product development, factory, key account coordination, inventory…

Sustainability — the act of maintaining resources to prevent depletion — has become an important factor in consumer purchasing decisions. Consumers appreciate it when businesses put in the effort to be more socially and environmentally responsible. According to a report by Capgemini, nearly four out of five consumers (79 percent) adjust their purchase preferences based…

Best Buy is bolstering its delivery options with just a few weeks left in the holiday shopping season. The Richfield, Minnesota-based retailer has for years used its stores as de facto warehouses for its e-commerce business; it's one of the ways Best Buy has held its ground against rivals like Amazon.com. Now it's taking the…

Several Amazon.com sellers are concerned over a recent policy change, CNBC reported. The policy is meant to help the e-commerce giant save space in its warehouses as it faces a pandemic-fueled surge in online orders alongside the usual peak holiday shopping season. In August, Amazon announced it would be enforcing stricter quantity limits on shipments from…

Online retailers are facing a major capacity crisis this holiday season. Since COVID-19 hit, reduced headcount and social distancing practices within the walls of warehouses and distribution centers mean retail businesses are already struggling to manage the stresses and strains of increased e-commerce demand. Capacity issues are largely linked to an inability to process sudden…

It’s not uncommon for retailers to ask for additional time to pay their invoices. However, if retailers can’t pay, that puts bad debt on suppliers’ books. Research shows that more than one-third (36 percent) of accounts receivables (A/R) departments write off up to 25 percent of their receivables as bad debt each year. During an…

By now you should have your logistical ducks in a row — fulfillment and shipping processes in place, seasonal help on board, forklift drivers ready to roll, etc. (If not, bookmark this page, go do that now, then come back!) But are you ready to survive “shipageddon,” the combination of the expected massive increase in…

It’s safe to say that 2020 has taken the country — and the entire world — by storm. We’re currently eight months into the COVID-19 global pandemic, and while a majority of people are yearning for a return to “normalcy,” there are many industries and businesses that simply will not, retail included. Ongoing research surveys…