QFC stores will eliminate single-use plastic bags

The Kroger banner is taking a big first step in the company's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which aims to eliminate single-use bags across its stores by 2025. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • March 26, 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

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Alibaba platform adds procurement, fulfillment services

The new initiatives, coupled with recent logistics acquisitions, offer an advantage to international brands that see potential in the Chinese market but are unsure how best to target consumers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 22, 2019

E-commerce is driving US warehouse construction

Most of the growth in e-commerce warehouse construction is coming from online-only companies like Amazon, which broke ground on 23 warehouse projects last year. 

By Kim Slowey • March 21, 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

Boeing quiet on 737 Max inventory plans — an airfield could play a role

Boeing owns 100 acres of land about 180 miles from its Renton, Washington, manufacturing facility where the company has stored parts in the past. 

By Matt Leonard • March 20, 2019

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

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