Retail

  • Returned items being prepared for an outbound shipment at a Happy Returns hub.
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    Courtesy of Happy Returns
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    How retailers are responding to a wave of returns

    Companies face a multifaceted balancing act of controlling costs, stopping fraud and maintaining engagement and flexibility for customers.

    By Nate Delesline III • Jan. 22, 2025
  • President Donald Trump addresses the press at the White House on Jan. 21, 2025.
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    Trump eyes 10% China tariff hike by Feb. 1

    The president floated a similar timeline for 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

    By • Jan. 22, 2025
  • A Walmart employee packs products into a vehicle.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    Walmart invests in automation as it sells robotics arm

    The retail giant will fund the buildout of more than 400 accelerated pickup and delivery centers as part of its agreement with Symbotic.

    By • Jan. 21, 2025
  • President Donald Trump signs an executive order in the Oval Office in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 20, 2025.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    Trump orders trade review ahead of potential tariffs

    Federal agencies have until April 1 to give recommendations on trade pacts with Mexico, Canada and China.

    By • Jan. 21, 2025
  • A dawn image of a McDonald's drive-thru. At the foreground is an exit sign and there is a car in the background waiting in line.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s abandons commitment to DEI in supply chain

    The fast food giant said it will shift to conducting “more integrated discussions” with suppliers about inclusion.

    By • Jan. 17, 2025
  • The outside of a standalone Ulta Beauty store.
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    patty_c via Getty Images
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    Ulta taps Instacart for same-day delivery

    Through the partnership, customers can receive beauty products in as little as one hour.

    By Howard Ruben • Jan. 17, 2025
  • Shipping containers sit stacked in the Port of Newark.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Shippers face short-term challenges after ILA, USMX’s ‘last minute’ deal

    Contingency planning ahead of last week's agreement will complicate supply chain efficiencies temporarily.

    By • Jan. 15, 2025
  • Albertsons store
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    Courtesy of Albertsons
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    Albertsons to ramp up automation at distribution centers

    The grocery retailer expects technological upgrades to help it better manage inventory and lower costs.

    By • Jan. 14, 2025
  • A view of shipping containers and chassis at the Port of Newark.
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    Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
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    Industry leaders react to ILA-USMX port deal

    Supply chain organizations expressed relief over the agreement, which averted a strike.

    By • Jan. 10, 2025
  • Three U.S. Post Service workers sort packages at a distribution center.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    Supply chain management trends to watch in 2025

    Retailers and manufacturers will continue to diversify their networks while leaning on new technology to safeguard processes and improve customer experiences. 

    By • Jan. 9, 2025
  • The front facade of a Costco store.
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Costco reports improved big-and-bulky delivery performance

    The wholesale retailer’s ability to cut down on delivery times has coincided with an uptick in activity, according to President and CEO Ron Vachris. 

    By • Jan. 9, 2025
  • A group of dockworkers gather outside an ocean terminal.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    ILA-USMX port labor talks

    Shippers urge ILA, USMX to reach deal before deadline

    The East and Gulf Coast port labor contract will expire again on Jan. 15, prompting fears of a new strike.

    By , • Jan. 7, 2025
  • Picture of Shein office lobby.
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    Courtesy of Shein
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    Shein joins CBP’s import data sharing initiative

    The pilot program aims to prevent illegal and hazardous products from entering the U.S.

    By Laurel Deppen • Jan. 6, 2025
  • Donald Trump in business attire stands in a stage with an U.S. flag in the background
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    Anna Moneymaker/Staff via Getty Images
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    How retailers and manufacturers are navigating tariff concerns

    Companies are evaluating sourcing plans and procurement networks ahead of expected trade landscape changes under President-elect Donald Trump. 

    By • Jan. 6, 2025
  • Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard stand with a signed decree affecting apparel duties.
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    Courtesy of Presidencia de la Republica
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    Mexico restricts duty-free apparel imports

    The rule change will significantly impact foreign fashion brands and 3PLs using Mexico for de minimis shipments to the U.S.

    By • Jan. 2, 2025
  • Donald Trump addresses a crowd
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    Andrew Harnik via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Trump is promising new tariffs. How should companies be preparing?

    Retailers and manufacturers that emphasize optionality in their supply chains will be best equipped to navigate a shifting trade landscape, experts say.

    By • Jan. 2, 2025
  • Pedestrians walk past Old Navy and GAP stores in Times Square
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    Over 100 fashion brand supply chains linked to oil, gas fracking in Texas

    Old Navy, H&M and Adidas were among the 107 companies reported to be using textile materials generated by petrochemicals linked to the Permian Basin, per Stand.earth.  

    By Zoya Mirza • Jan. 2, 2025
  • An Academy Sports + Outdoors storefront.
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    Courtesy of Academy Sports and Outdoors
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    Academy Sports and Outdoors reduces China reliance by 20%

    The sports retailer continues to diversify its sourcing base as it plans for possible tariff hikes under the Trump administration. 

    By • Jan. 2, 2025
  • Worker scanning barcode of cardboard packages before delivery at storage.
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    Ridofranz via Getty Images
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    Exploring the de minimis exemption’s role in supply chains

    The provision has come under fire in recent years, with any potential changes likely impacting manufacturing, parcel shipping and air cargo operations.

    By • Jan. 2, 2025
  • Amazon warehouse workers carry signs in a picket line in front of an Amazon supply chain facility. The signs read: "Amazon is Unfair" and "Amazon: Obey the Law."
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images
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    Amazon warehouse workers on strike amid holiday rush

    The e-commerce giant said work stoppages at seven facilities have not impacted operations.

    By Daphne Howland • Dec. 20, 2024
  • Workers complete various tasks inside an alcohol warehouse.
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    Courtesy of Southern Glazer's
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    Southern Glazer’s sued by FTC for pricing discrimination

    The agency's complaint alleges the alcohol distributor has withheld volume discounts to smaller retailers while favoring larger chain stores since 2018.

    By • Dec. 19, 2024
  • People walking by stores and crossing the street in a city, with a small red car in a wide crosswalk.
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    Daphne Howland/Supply Chain Dive
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    Deep Dive

    Nordstrom and Macy’s abandoned the ‘retail inventory method’ after using it for decades. Here’s why.

    The accounting practice can interfere with merchandising and pricing decisions while also muddying the picture on inventory shrink, experts say.

    By Daphne Howland • Dec. 19, 2024
  • A Duluth Trading Company store in West Fargo, North Dakota.
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    "Duluth Trading Company Store - Fargo, North Dakota" by Tony Webster is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Duluth Trading ramps up automated fulfillment center usage

    The workwear retailer leaned more on its Georgia facility during the holiday season after closing a location in Iowa.

    By • Dec. 18, 2024
  • A medium-skinned person joins a protest, with pro-union signs in Spanish behind them
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    Stephanie Keith via Getty Images
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    Amazon faces Senate probe, strike threats over warehouse safety allegations

    “Our employees’ safety is and always will be our top priority,” an Amazon spokesperson said Monday.

    By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 18, 2024
  • Shipping containers sit stacked in the Port of Newark.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    How FLOW impacted supply chains in 2024

    The Freight Logistics Optimization Works program now has 85 members, including Best Buy, True Value, BNSF and CMA CGM.

    By • Dec. 17, 2024