Supply Chain

Almost every week it seems as though another retailer announces brick-and-mortar store closures, or there are new bankruptcy filings making headlines. With more and more people turning to technology in their everyday lives — often to the detriment of in-person shopping — capturing sales via e-commerce has never been more important for retailers. E-commerce transactions…

For the first time in American Apparel’s 28-year history, its items are being made outside the U.S. The company, which prided itself on being the largest domestic apparel maker, is now producing shirts in Honduras and Nicaragua, a person familiar with the matter said. Gildan Activewear, which bought American Apparel out of Chapter 11 earlier this year,…

Retail supply chains infused with multimodal visibility have a competitive advantage. Ninety percent of retail executives believe mastering logistics is key to thriving in today’s on-demand economy. They’re right. Supply chain visibility can no longer be considered just a bonus — it's essential to effectively serve today’s connected consumer. Yet, supply chain visibility is still largely…

Dick's Sporting Goods will dump about 20 percent of its vendors and stock more of its own brands as it looks to fortify itself against the market forces that killed its defunct rivals like The Sports Authority. The abandoned brands will be made up of minor labels rather than its 10 best-selling brands like Nike and…

It seems as though every day there's another retailer closing stores, declaring bankruptcy or laying off employees. Most recently, J.C. Penney announced it will be closing 140 stores; HHGregg has filed for bankruptcy; and JackThreads laid off most of its staff. However, one company is flourishing at a time when others are failing. Xcel Brands,…

In episode 82 of Total Retail Talks, Scott Hansen, general manager, supply chain and logistics at Nebraska Furniture Mart, the largest home furnishing store in North America, discusses how the company has benefited from implementing an integrated supply chain for its online and brick-and-mortar operations.

Chief executives of some of the country's largest retailers, including Target, Gap, Best Buy and Autozone, are headed to Washington, D.C. this week to make their case that a controversial tax on imports would raise consumer prices and hurt their businesses, according to people familiar with the plan. The group of eight retail bosses will meet on Wednesday with…

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced today that it's ending its ShippingPass delivery subscription pilot and offering free two-day shipping on more than 2 million items without a membership program. The retailer is also lowering the minimum purchase required for free shipping to $35 from $50. Items shipped to stores have no minimum price threshold. Wal-Mart also offers same-day store…

In episode 70 of Total Retail Talks, recorded at this week's National Retail Federation Big Show in New York City, Gordon Jaquay, director, information technology at Hickory Farms, the specialty foods retailer, talks about how breaking down data silos is helping the organization become more efficient while also providing a better experience for its customers.

It’s among the most frustrating parts of retailing: You built a strong assortment plan. Great product mix. Good margin. Customer response is better than you had hoped for. You're ready for an outstanding selling season. Yet the allocation process drops the ball. Too many large dresses in store A while the racks are empty in…