Pier 1 leans on fulfillment efficiency to revive slipping sales

Initiatives such as a new distribution scheme and warehouse consolidation are part of a broader strategy to address "execution issues" in the company's supply chain, executives said in an earnings call.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 19, 2018

Walmart's newest high-tech warehouse will automatically load pallets

The facility, set to open in 2020, will be 40% more efficient than traditional warehouses and require several STEM-educated workers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 18, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Supply Chain Technology Adoption

Retailers and manufacturers are increasingly employing artificial intelligence, digital twins and traceability systems to improve visibility and operational performance.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Burberry tightens lead times with monthly product releases

The luxury apparel brand's move toward fast fashion and a lean model may be innovative in the fashion world, but it's old hat in traditional manufacturing. 

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 18, 2018

Slashing store footprint did little to improve Sears' operating ratio

Sharp declines in revenue and missed vendor payments preceded the retailer's bankruptcy filing — a move many in the industry expected.

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 16, 2018

Apparel companies eye nearshoring to cut lead times

The tradeoff between higher cost of manufacturing versus lower freight rates, combined with the need for speed, will drive apparel companies moving forward. 

By Andy Burt • Oct. 16, 2018

4 trends in order fulfillment

Whether tapping into new fulfillment services, technologies or markets, shippers are all working toward "fast and free."

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 15, 2018

2 retail models to 'crack the nut' of subscription-box fulfillment

With a built-in customer base, traditional retailers don’t start from scratch, but starting a new sales channel requires different ways of thinking.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Oct. 15, 2018

In the warehouse, bigger isn't always better

Supply chains are being redesigned to fulfill orders faster, and warehouse technology is emerging as a centerpiece.

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Oct. 15, 2018

Managing inventory: What retail can learn from pharma

At a high level, the two industries have much in common, and retailers can learn from the discipline inherent in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Oct. 15, 2018

Sears filed for Chapter 11 with plans to close 142 stores — now what?

As part of the retailer's plan to reorganize, CEO Eddie Lampert is stepping down as chief executive — at the same time his hedge fund is mulling a bid for Sears in Chapter 11.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 15, 2018

RFID can achieve near 100% order accuracy, study says

"We can end claims and chargebacks right now," said Justin Patton, director of Auburn University's RFID Lab. "That's billions of dollars saved."

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 11, 2018

Tariffs are not slowing down retail imports

As retailers struggle to change their sourcing, imports continue to rise to meet consumer demand. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 10, 2018

Rampant returns and what to do about them

Millions of packages will be returned this holiday season, forcing an uncomfortable question on retailers: Is it cheaper to resell or destroy an unwanted product?

By Jen A. Miller • Oct. 9, 2018

Amazon opens pop-up delivery location in wake of Florence

The location will stay open until October 14 to serve residents whose homes are still unreachable due to flooding. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 9, 2018

A new warehouse offers hope to floundering Bed Bath & Beyond

Shipping rates for e-commerce orders and coupons are dragging margins down for the retailer, which is taking a hard look at every facet of its business to turn things around. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 5, 2018

NRF expects holiday sales spike of up to 4.8%

The trade association credits a strong economy and the healthy state of retail for the positive forecast.  

By Ben Unglesbee • Updated Nov. 20, 2018

XPO aims to slash fulfillment times with 5K new robots

The "collaborative robots" will be manufactured exclusively for XPO and deployed in its North American and European facilities.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 4, 2018

Want a more sustainable supply chain? L'Oreal says avoid air freight

When the French company realized air freight contributed 30% of its distribution network emissions, even though it transported just 1% of product weight, the company decided to make some changes.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 4, 2018

Apparel group wants some Amazon sites listed as 'notorious' counterfeit markets

The e-commerce giant faces criticism again as sales of counterfeit products continue to be a problem across the entire global sector of online marketplaces.

By Dan O'Shea • Oct. 3, 2018

Target expands Drive Up to all 50 states

The mass merchant said the service now reaches 1,750 stores.

By Daphne Howland , Ben Unglesbee • Updated Aug. 30, 2019