Stressed supply chain turns into silver lining for UNFI

Keeping retailers stocked has "been a roller-coaster ride," one executive said. But the food distributor's purchasing capabilities have helped it gain more business.

By Jeff Wells , Edwin Lopez • Sept. 30, 2021

AutoZone to add 20 'mega hubs' for store replenishment

The expanded stores would carry more than 100,000 SKUs and help fulfill orders for the surrounding area.

By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 30, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

DHL invests $300M to expand, automate US e-commerce network

The investment includes new parcel sorters, reducing the need for labor as warehouse workers are hard to come by.

By Max Garland • Sept. 28, 2021

Hy-Vee brings inventory robots to 5 stores to plan orders, reduce stockouts

The robots help retailers cut down on the incidence of sold-out items by up to 30%, said Simbe Robotics.

By Sam Silverstein • Sept. 28, 2021

Nike warns of shortages as ocean congestion, Vietnam shutdowns hurt inventory

Pre-pandemic, it took Nike about 40 days to move product from Asia to North America, said CFO Matt Friend. That has since doubled.

By Max Garland • Sept. 27, 2021

SEC asks companies to detail climate change's impact on operations

Businesses across a range of industries are being pressed for more information as the agency prepares a proposed rule on climate disclosure.  

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 27, 2021

It's time for integrated post-purchase solutions

Maximize value recovery on omnichannel returns with an integrated post-purchase management solution.

Sept. 27, 2021

3 tips for launching your responsible sourcing program

Learn how to take the first steps towards a responsible and diverse sourcing program.

By Kayla Mackay • Sept. 27, 2021

Shortages have created a 'traffic jam' in construction: Lennar

A lack of labor and items, including vinyl siding and wood windows, are delaying production and creating "a game of whack-a-mole" for the industry.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 24, 2021

Toymakers worry congestion will lead to holiday inventory troubles

The time it takes to ship products from China to the U.S. increased by 83% in September compared to before the pandemic, according to Freightos.

By Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 23, 2021

FedEx diverts packages as labor shortage bites into service levels

The need for workers will only become more pressing as the carrier braces for peak season.

By Max Garland • Sept. 22, 2021

For Home Depot, tackling capacity crunch key in pandemic strategy

Securing carrier capacity is not a guarantee in the currently constrained environment, so Home Depot made plans to charter ships.

By Max Garland • Sept. 22, 2021

Manufacturers plan to boost wages at a record 3.5% rate

The tight labor market and high raw material costs are top challenges, the National Association of Manufacturers says.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 21, 2021

'Too much data' drives adoption, expectations of predictive analytics

Demand forecasting and supply planning are among the top uses for the technology, but the upfront expense doesn't make sense for every business.

By Jen A. Miller • Sept. 21, 2021

How Pfizer transformed its supply chain to deliver vaccines at lightspeed

In a span of months, the company strengthened its production power for pandemic-level demand.

By Max Garland • Sept. 21, 2021

As retailers stock up, real estate near ports sees record demand

Port-proximate markets are seeing record-low vacancies and soaring rental rates amid a surge in e-commerce, according to a report.

By Alejandra Carranza • Sept. 20, 2021

PepsiCo to cut use of virgin plastic as part of broad sustainability goal

The Fritos and Gatorade manufacturer is embracing a more ambitious agenda to reduce reliance on new plastics as consumers continue to pressure brands to shrink their environmental footprints.

By Christopher Doering • Sept. 20, 2021

Big Lots plans 'bypass network' to mitigate port congestion during peak season

As an example, the retailer said 98% of its Christmas trees ship out of Yantian and now have 4-8 week lead times. A bypass network will help imports skip a touch, and arrive in time for holiday shopping.

By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 17, 2021

Lowe's places larger orders with suppliers to avoid holiday stockouts

The hardware retailer says inventory levels are "actually getting better, not worse," as other companies struggle to navigate supply chain disruptions. 

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 16, 2021

Amazon pushes average hourly pay above $18 to lure 125K new fulfillment, transportation employees

Amid a labor shortage and the upcoming peak season, Amazon pushes to hire 125,000 fulfillment and transportation employees. 

By Daphne Howland • Sept. 15, 2021

Inventory levels jump as manufacturers hold onto work-in-progress products

Manufacturers of transportation equipment, computers and electronics need chips, which are in short supply, and some products are being held until critical components arrive.

By Max Garland • Sept. 14, 2021

Vaccine mandate adds another wrinkle to warehouse, distribution hiring crunch

The mandate's "aim is good, but there will likely be short-term pain for long-term gain," said Raj Patel, senior director of 3PL global industry strategy at Blue Yonder, in an email.

By Max Garland • Sept. 14, 2021

Shutdowns in Asia sting Toyota, automakers and exacerbate chip shortage

Toyota will temporarily close nine plants this month, including those responsible for the Corolla and Camry sedans, according to an SEC filing.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 14, 2021

Kellogg investing $45M to revamp North American supply chain

The cereal giant is shifting production to more efficient facilities as it looks to combat capacity constraints.

By Chris Casey • Sept. 14, 2021

Biden to require large employers mandate vaccines

The ruling will especially impact warehouse workers, as many large companies had avoided requiring vaccines for frontline staff amid an acute labor shortage.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 10, 2021