Walmart planning new returns process at front of stores

The retailer's U.S. CEO said customers will be able to get refunds from employees stationed just inside store entrances.

By Dan O'Shea • March 8, 2019

Dollar Tree builds business plans for 25% tariffs

In planning for the worst-case scenario, the discount retailer opens the possibility of increased margins in the latter half of 2019 if tariffs do not rise.

By Shefali Kapadia • March 8, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Walmart tightens on-time, in-full rate for suppliers to 87%

The retailer toughened its OTIF policy from the previous requirement of 85% as it seeks greater control over inventory. 

By Matt Leonard • March 8, 2019

More than half of hospital leaders see supply chain improvement as path to higher margins

Despite being a high priority, many hospitals rely on outdated methods to manage inventory and related costs, and some barely keep track at all according to a new survey. 

By Meg Bryant • March 7, 2019

Kohl's cuts inventory for 12th quarter in a row

The retailer keeps inventory on a downward slope through its "speed initiative," which seeks to reduce lead times and quickly fulfill orders. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 6, 2019

Target touts store-centric model after record peak season

In the fourth quarter, CEO Brian Cornell saw the progress he had previously promised as scale and supply chain investments started to pay off. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 6, 2019

FreshDirect expands suburban delivery and same-day service

The e-grocer will serve additional markets around Washington, D.C. and Connecticut, and announced a new speedy delivery service three years after launching FoodKick.

By Krishna Thakker • March 6, 2019

7 elements of the sustainable warehouse — and why shippers are moving in

Whether new construction or retrofitting, warehouses designed with sustainable practices can result in operational efficiencies and decreased costs.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • March 5, 2019

Office Depot teams up with Alibaba

The U.S. retailer and the Chinese e-commerce firm are partnering to give small and medium-sized businesses access to Alibaba's global network of more than 150,000 suppliers.

By Dan O'Shea • March 5, 2019

Supply chain stakes — and questions — increase as Gap, Old Navy split

Executives on Gap's fourth quarter earnings call said the brands' supply chains have become nearly as different as their target customer. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 5, 2019

CEVA Logistics to run IKEA's New York Distribution Centre

The distribution center will support purchases from IKEA's Manhattan Planning Studio, the first of its kind in the United States.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • March 4, 2019

Macy's scales up 'hold and flow' for inventory management

The retailer will use data analytics to guide inventory decisions to gain competitive advantage against its digital rivals. 

By Matt Leonard • March 4, 2019

Lowe's plan to stay in stock takes shape despite stumbles

Improving in-stock status is the number one priority for Marvin Ellison, who took over in June 2018 and immediately directed the company's focus toward a more effective and streamlined supply chain.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 4, 2019

Amazon Day expands to all Prime members — and offers an operational win-win

The negotiation between speed, convenience, waste and a longer fulfillment time horizon is the next evolution of retail fulfillment.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 1, 2019

UPS launches fulfillment platform for small and medium sellers

The eFulfillment platform enables sellers to manage inventory across several marketplaces and customize delivery times for their products.

By Matt Leonard • March 1, 2019

Wayfair will open new last-mile facilities every month in 2019

Though net loss is growing for the company, Wayfair's CEO said the e-commerce giant is playing a long game — seizing control of its supply chain from both ends. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 1, 2019

Inside Ahold Delhaize's supply chain innovation arm

The new team is tasked with evaluating technologies that can help Ahold Delhaize's supply chain better deliver for its stores.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 28, 2019

Boeing shuffles supplies ahead of Brexit

The U.K. government raised the possibility of an extension to the March 29 deadline, but analysts say that would further add to uncertainty for businesses. 

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 27, 2019

Home Depot reaches 70% same-day delivery capability in US

Investments in new warehouses and in-store pickup lockers are part of the company's plan to achieve same-day delivery nationwide by 2022. 

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 27, 2019

Dollar Tree's supply chain head says the field needs a reputation overhaul

Maxwell expressed strong favor for incentivizing productivity to more directly reward employees for contributing to business success, despite the sometimes controversial results such incentives produce. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 27, 2019

Stop & Shop will open more automated fulfillment centers this year

Ahold Delhaize will roll out "several" additional small-scale e-commerce facilities across the chain, with deployment accelerating in 2020.

By Jeff Wells • Feb. 27, 2019

Foot Locker CEO explains the trouble with mini-hubs

To fulfill e-commerce orders with the speed consumers expect, Foot Locker is opening "mini-hubs," but CEO Dick Johnson said more precise fulfillment requires a deeper understanding of inventory needs. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 26, 2019

Walmart bets on new high-tech consolidation center to win at 'inventory flow'

The center acts as a midway point in the supply chain and allows the retailer to move inventory based on real-time demand. 

By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 26, 2019

Most BOPIS shoppers make additional purchases in store

A study by return provider Doddle found that 85% of shoppers using the service buy more products when they're picking up purchases.

By Dan O'Shea • Feb. 26, 2019

Inventory levels trend down amid supply chain efficiencies

As technology has improved over the years, so have supply chains, allowing retailers to keep less inventory on hand.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 26, 2019