Amid companies' renewed energy focus, warehouse efficiencies unchanged

From 2003 to 2012, data from the Energy Information Administration revealed no significant drop in energy intensity, a measure of efficiency. 

By Matt Leonard • March 19, 2019

Can modern, high-tech warehouses rely solely on the power grid?

As warehouses add automation, facilities managers explore alternative energy and smart sensors to reduce reliance on the grid.

By Jen A. Miller • March 19, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management as an effective strategy against tariffs.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Ulta plans 'fast fulfillment centers' to handle online orders

The new centers will be able to handle up to 30,000 orders per day during peak times and help the company reach its two-day delivery goal.

By Matt Leonard • March 18, 2019

Boeing pauses delivery of 737 MAX 8 aircraft

Airlines can seek compensation from Boeing when a fleet of aircraft is grounded, which could end up costing the company billions.

By Matt Leonard • March 15, 2019

Dollar General to build out distribution capacity for fresh foods

The fresh program is already boosting day-to-day traffic, said CEO Todd Vasos, but after experimenting in 300 stores, the company is eager to claim back the margin eaten up by distributor fees.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 15, 2019

How PepsiCo closes the sustainability loop with reusable packaging

The food and beverage giant is designing containers with reuse in mind, prompting new ways of thinking about packaging, reverse logistics and KPIs.

By Craig Guillot • March 12, 2019

Trader Joe's to curb plastic packaging in stores

The retailer aims to build on its recent sustainability initiatives by selling more loose produce items, replacing floral and greeting cards packaging with renewable alternatives and more. 

By Lauren Manning • March 12, 2019

Retailers look to direct operations and supply chains to reduce emissions

Even as sales grow, emissions don't have to, and many top retailers have plans to reduce their carbon footprint through lower energy use and more efficient transportation methods. 

By Matt Leonard • March 12, 2019

Parcel carriers cut jobs, while warehousing and trucking add positions

Overall the economy added only 20,000 jobs in February, below economists' expectations, pointing to signs of a slowing market.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • March 11, 2019

Rue21 to launch BOPIS in over 700 stores

The retailer's large-scale commitment to click-and-collect comes as more consumers across the sector are engaging with the service.

By Dan O'Shea • March 11, 2019

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

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