Tag: e-commerce

January 3, 2024

Returns, including fraudulent returns, have escalated as e-commerce has grown. When it acquired the Reverse Logistics Association last year, the NRF itself has expanded its own membership to accommodate the burgeoning industry affiliated with returns. “Digital growth has an increased […]

January 2, 2024

With the decline in high street spending and increased online competition from ecommerce stores, companies in the retail space need to be effectively innovating to keep up. One way for brick-and-mortar stores to stay ahead of the competition is to […]

January 2, 2024

While the pandemic’s effects weren’t felt as broadly as in recent years, retailers faced a new set of challenges this holiday season. Holiday hiring for some companies was lower than in years past, including Macy’s, which announced plans to hire […]

December 29, 2023

The humble sneaker has long been a staple item in closets everywhere for consumers of all ages. The consistent appeal of sneakers and sportswear has grown in recent times with customers, particularly from the Gen Z demographic, continuing to favor […]

December 28, 2023

The Container Store has promoted two executives as it continues to focus on strengthening its “Custom Spaces” business. Lindy Rawlinson, formerly EVP of Ecommerce and Digital Marketing has been promoted to Chief Digital Officer; and Jennifer Pape formerly of VP […]

December 28, 2023

The past three years have afforded supply chain professionals power within the executive ranks they have never enjoyed. Disruptions, materials shortages, and constant change have elevated the supply chain profession to heights it has never achieved, with seats inside boardrooms […]

December 28, 2023

Given the costliness of implementing same-day delivery and shipping, and consumers’ lukewarm feelings on it, the investment may not be worth it for some retailers, according to Forrester. A more cost-effective way to provide products quickly is buy online, pick […]

December 28, 2023

Imagine yourself walking into your favorite local coffee shop, and the barista already knows your order before you utter a word. Or perhaps you receive a birthday card from your go-to bookstore with a personalized discount just for you. These […]

December 27, 2023

Returns totaled $743 billion in 2023, amounting to 14.5% of all retail sales, according to a report from the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail. This means that for every $1 billion in sales, the average retailer incurred $145 million […]

December 26, 2023

In 2023, you could hardly move for mentions of generative AI and its applications. The upcoming year looks set for more of the same, as retailers and CPGs alike plan to pull ahead in their adoption of these buzz-generating technologies […]

December 26, 2023

A two-week delivery window used to be the norm, while next-day delivery was a premium service. Today, if a package isn’t on the customer’s doorstep within a day or two, they’ve already fired off an angry tweet. This is mostly […]

December 22, 2023

The next era for retail is already underway, and it all starts with the simple but powerful scan of a code. Nearly 50 years ago, UPC barcodes changed the game for retailers everywhere, and now we’re on the cusp of […]

December 21, 2023

Ulta Beauty will kick off 2024 with a fresh look for its loyalty program a decade after its debut in 2014. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, the Ultamate Rewards loyalty program will become Ulta Beauty Rewards, and along with the new […]

December 20, 2023

As more cargo ships grapple with escaling attacks at the Suez Canal, led by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, retail industry groups are monitoring the problem and devising possible solutions. The violence is leading some shippers to take precautions and […]

December 20, 2023

Though the holiday rush currently sits at the top of most retailers’ priority lists, there’s another industry-wide event just around the corner: the 2024 NRF Big Show. The annual gathering of retail leaders and innovators brings together over 6,000 of […]

December 19, 2023

Despite tight budgets and wariness about the economy, U.S. consumers have come through for retailers in 2023, and that has continued into the all-important fourth quarter. Even with some holiday promotions moving into October, Black Friday and Cyber Monday helped […]

December 19, 2023

The Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against Amazon isn’t likely to start until some time in 2026, if not later, according to a joint statement by the parties filed this week. In estimating when it would be ready for trial, […]

December 18, 2023

You’re already staffing up your store, stocking up on inventory, and putting up the decorations – it’s that time of year when all retailers are preparing for the holidays, and anxiously awaiting to see if they’ll get the expected influx […]

December 15, 2023

The National Retail Federation on Thursday announced the launch of a Center for Retail Sustainability. The center is intended to support retailers’ efforts to generate economic value while creating net positive environmental, social and community benefits. The center’s initial focus […]

December 14, 2023

The National Retail Federation (NRF) has introduced the Center for Retail Sustainability, designed to help retailers generate economic value while also creating benefits for the environment, communities and societies. Initial efforts will focus on leveraging consumer insights around sustainability products […]