Walmart will add automated micro-fulfillment to dozens of stores

The retailer is also adding automated drive-thru pickup points at select stores that allow shoppers to drive up, scan a code and collect their order.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 28, 2021

Pick speed improves when AR replaces paper: study

The research suggests that some of the main benefits of the technology could be in training new workers and getting them up to speed more quickly.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 27, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside retail supply chains

Companies looking to curry favor with customers, trim logistical expenses and improve efficiency, are reorganizing operations.

By Retail Dive staff

SKU'd: Want to slow down returns? Fix apparel sizing.

Clothing retail needs to do the boring work of helping customers understand what they are purchasing. 

By Kaarin Vembar • Jan. 27, 2021

Walmart positions itself as key COVID-19 vaccine provider for rural America

The retailer said it will be able to deliver as many as 13 million doses per month when supplies allow.

By Sam Silverstein • Jan. 26, 2021

4 elements of the next phase of last-mile delivery

The technologies to move retail delivery forward already exist. The next step is fully weaving last-mile services into the retail landscape.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 25, 2021

After the extremes of 2020, retail resilience means a new sense of what's possible

A pandemic exposed the industry's vulnerabilities and latent survival skills. To weather the next disaster, companies must be agile and take risk seriously.

By Ben Unglesbee • Jan. 25, 2021

Costco is testing curbside pickup

After years of resisting the popular service, the club retailer is now offering it at three stores in New Mexico.

By Jeff Wells • Jan. 20, 2021

FedEx announces Ground, Express surcharges beginning February, citing high volume

The announcement of new surcharges highlights how much FedEx plans to rely on these fees to manage its network moving forward.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 20, 2021

How Dick's and Wayfair connect consumers with real-time inventory data

The pandemic upped the stakes for data accuracy, as well as the velocity and volume at which it needed to flow.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 19, 2021

Getting sales tax ready for 2021: Simplifying sales tax compliance for retail companies

Given the lost revenue from COVID-19, states may consider looking for other revenue streams in the form of sales tax collections. Learn about the six key considerations when it comes to sales tax compliance in an ever-changing economic landscape. 

Jan. 19, 2021

UPS, Verizon, Skyward partner on 5G drone delivery in Florida

Many details on the partnership have yet to be disclosed, but the companies say 5G will be important to scaling delivery fleets.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 13, 2021

Walmart to test refrigerated boxes that store grocery orders outside homes

The secure, internet-connected units can hold items at various temperatures and use ultraviolet light to kill viruses, mold and mildew.

By Sam Silverstein • Jan. 13, 2021

Bed Bath & Beyond's COO says the company is pivoting to a 'common-sense' supply chain model

The supply chain overhaul, an expected $250 million investment, is part of what will bring the retailer back to sustainable growth, according to executives.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 11, 2021

FAA: New drone rules address safety, provide more operational flexibility

While the industry has seen a flurry of drone activity with UPS, Amazon Prime, Walmart and others, regulation and investment hurdles have precluded more widespread adoption for delivery operations.

By A.B. Brown • Jan. 7, 2021

UPS expects to break weekly returns record with nearly 9M returns

The uptick in e-commerce brought on by the pandemic has exacerbated consumer behaviors that generate returns.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 7, 2021

Amazon buys 11 planes to boost airfreight capacity

The aircraft purchases come at a time when airfreight procurement has become increasingly difficult, and e-commerce demand is soaring.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 6, 2021

Will the e-commerce boom be a bust this season?

An unprecedented number of packages are taxing retailers' ability to deliver. A lot are going to be late, and that will have consequences beyond the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 22, 2020

Walmart and Amazon launch return options as some predict holiday onslaught

The retail giants are vying to be the most convenient option not just for buying but also for sending goods back. 

By Ben Unglesbee • Dec. 21, 2020

USPS experiencing 'historic' volume of packages

The agency is also undergoing a temporary employee shortage due to the COVID-19 surge and warns of short-term delays. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 18, 2020

Amazon, Walmart tout last-minute holiday delivery options

In a year when the industry worked to get the season started early, the retail giants are encouraging customers to shop as late as Christmas Eve.

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 17, 2020

Retailers did not achieve one-day delivery in 2020: study

Companies took about three days to fulfill orders, while brick-and-mortar locations leveraged BOPIS and curbside pickup services.  

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 17, 2020

Sam's Club equips its fulfillment operations with robotic pickers

The retailer has adopted the use of autonomous mobile robots in its new Southern California fulfillment center for e-commerce orders.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Dec. 17, 2020

Walmart to take middle-mile trucks driverless in Arkansas

Since the retailer began its self-driving pilot with Gatik last year, the trucks have traveled more than 70,000 operational miles in autonomous mode.

By Rosie Bradbury • Dec. 17, 2020

Bed Bath & Beyond, Shipt partner on same-day delivery promotion

Free, same-day delivery will be available for a limited time as part of an effort to help customers beat the holiday shipping rush. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Dec. 15, 2020

Retailers' best e-commerce asset may be their brick-and-mortar stores

In a rare vulnerability for Amazon, research is piling up that customers want omnichannel services for both shopping and returns. 

By Daphne Howland • Dec. 14, 2020