Retail supply chains are complicated, with factories, container ships, and communication networks spanning thousands of miles across the globe to connect raw materials with end consumers. Supply chains have become complex webs of global activity due to the emphasis logistics managers have placed on the first mile, crossing oceans in search of affordable labor and […]

Last week I returned to the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show for the first time in 3 years. A crowd of nearly 37,000 people flocked to the Javits Center in New York City to see what new solutions and innovations software suppliers had in store for 2023 and beyond. The usual themes were still […]

The Dirty Secret of E-Commerce The continued growth in e-commerce retail sales has been largely driven by factors such as convenience, product selection and lower prices. However, the inability for consumers to initially see, feel or experience products they purchase online can create gaps between product expectations and what arrives at the doorstep. As online […]

Note: Today’s post is part of our “Editor’s Choice” series where we highlight recent posts published by our sponsors that provide supply chain insights and advice. This article is from KNAPP and looks at innovations in e-grocery. Food retailers are predominantly depending on central fulfillment centers (CFC) and micro fulfillment centers (MFS) to process their […]

On August 15th, Walmart had a call with financial analysts to discuss their second quarter earnings. Walmart has about $1.5 billion in inventory “that if we could just wave a magic wand, we’d make it go away today,” said chief financial officer (CFO) John David Rainey.  Walmart estimates that inventory is still 15% above optimal […]

We’ve only just entered the second half of the year and people haven’t even taken their summer vacations yet, so why are we talking about holiday supply chains now? Last year, retailers started encouraging holiday shoppers to shop early. As a result, the holiday season got front loaded sometime in September. Given the challenges we’ve […]

As retailers across the U.S. struggle with disrupted supply chains and volatile economic markets, returning a profit has become more challenging. Retail executives are prioritizing investment in technology that can increase supply chain efficiency and their profits. They want technology to deliver last-mile efficiency along with a great customer experience and they want it now. […]