Buy, try, return, repeat: How fast fulfillment gives beauty retailers a competitive edge

In an industry where trying on is crucial to the experience, retailers must have the right operations in place to manage orders and returns.

By Jen A. Miller • May 7, 2019

Returns grow with e-commerce, reach 10% of sales

The returned merchandise is challenging retailers to refine their reverse logistics and detect fraudulent returns. 

By Matt Leonard • May 7, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Warehouse automation

Robotics and AI are two of the many tools warehouse operators are using to improve productivity.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Walmart reveals first 'intelligent' lab store on Long Island

Equipped with cameras, sensors, interactive displays and major processing power, the souped-up Neighborhood Market aims to take efficiency and customer experience to new heights.

By Jessica Dumont • April 30, 2019

Suddenly, free 1-day shipping is the new normal

Amazon upped the ante with its announcement of Prime's two-day delivery becoming even quicker, but analysts say Walmart and Target have little to fear.

By Daphne Howland • April 30, 2019

Amazon transitions free Prime shipping from 2-day to 1-day

While this move will put Amazon a full day ahead of the competition, it will also test the company's technology and logistics mettle.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 25, 2019

H&M expands product transparency for online apparel

Several sustainability and ethics watchers give the fast-fashion retailer props for its efforts, but also say it should go further.

By Daphne Howland • April 24, 2019

Ace Hardware adds 'Deliver from Store' options

The efforts to improve order fulfillment come in addition to already existing features, which aim to optimize the retailer's e-commerce business.

By Caroline Jansen • April 12, 2019

Shipt, Petco partner for same-day delivery

Pet owners will be able to get supplies delivered from nearly 1,300 stores as quickly as under an hour.

By Daphne Howland • April 12, 2019

Walmart adds nearly 4K robots to stores

Robots now clean floors, count inventory, check price labels and scan and sort items from trucks in hundreds of Walmart stores. 

By Caroline Jansen • April 10, 2019

A majority of retailers struggle with inventory forecasting

A survey by Wakefield Research and Bossa Nova Robotics found 87% of respondents believe inaccurate inventory contributes more to revenue loss than theft.

By Matt Leonard • April 9, 2019

RFID tags deliver 97% stock accuracy for River Island

Previously, River Island counted stock once a year, which took a day. Then the company launched a pilot program using tags, and now inventory counts occur weekly.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • April 8, 2019

Businesses on US-Mexico border suffer as wait times jump 500%

Mexico is the United States' third largest trading partner, so any slowdown in cross-border traffic is bound to have an impact on businesses near and far.

By Edwin Lopez , Shefali Kapadia • April 5, 2019

Macy's hires 1st chief supply chain officer

The functions within the new CSCO's purview, including transportation, procurement, sustainability and the "entire product journey," are being joined together under one executive for the first time.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 2, 2019

True Value invests $150M in supply chain upgrades

The hardware wholesaler reached a 99% in-stock rate in the Midwest with a new hub-and-spoke model that will soon expand to other regions.

By Matt Leonard • April 1, 2019

H&M pledges 100% sustainable cotton by 2020

The commitment to recycled or sustainably-produced cotton is part of a larger plan to convert to recycled or sustainable materials exclusively by 2030. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 1, 2019

Target includes supplier emissions in new climate goals

This marks the first time Target has taken its entire supply chain, which represents 96% of Target's total emissions, into account when calculating total greenhouse gas emissions.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 28, 2019

Ahold Delhaize turns to AI-powered distribution

The new end-to-end supply chain system aims to boost efficiency and provide fresher products for customers.

By Jeff Wells • March 28, 2019

Nike reaps benefits of short lead times, RFID

The brand's need for speed took off with LeBron James' move to a new team, necessitating shorter lead times for jerseys. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 25, 2019

H&M to phase out cashmere amid sustainability push

The fast-fashion retailer is dropping the luxe fabric until its supply chain meets the company's environmental and animal welfare standards. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 20, 2019

Michaels brings e-commerce fulfillment in-house

The switch means the retailer no longer has to worry about the cost associated with a third-party fulfillment provider, but Michaels continues to face cost headwinds from tariffs and transportation. 

By Matt Leonard • March 20, 2019

Counterfeit goods total $509B, 3.3% of global trade and growing

The e-commerce boom has created a greater circulation of small parcels — a "growing conduit for counterfeit goods," according to the OECD. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 19, 2019

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

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

Primark debuts denim jeans made from organic cotton

While the upside of sourcing organic cotton by a fast fashion brand is clear, the effort doesn't erase the many ethical issues associated.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 14, 2019

Supply chain issues hinder growth at Adidas

The company expects 3-4% growth in the first half of the year, followed by a rebound in supply, leading to higher growth in the second half. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 14, 2019