DHL, Daimler test e-commerce deliveries to smart car trunks

Online shoppers specify product delivery to their parked vehicle, and DHL delivery drivers are given one-time keyless access to the trunk of the drop-off car through a dedicated app.

By Dan O'Shea • July 25, 2016

7-Eleven beats Amazon to first FAA-approved drone delivery

The convenience retailer teamed with drone operator Flirtey to bring Slurpees, donuts, coffee and a chicken sandwich to a family in Nevada.

By Dan O'Shea • July 24, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Inside retail supply chains

Companies looking to trim expenses and streamline operations during a crutial year for supply chain management. 

By Retail Dive staff

Target taps Apple supply chain vet to boost logistics

The retailer is hiring away supply chain and logistics executives from the best in the business—Apple and Amazon.

By Daphne Howland • July 21, 2016

UPS testing Saturday residential deliveries

The shipping giant is exploring options to adapt its business to an environment reshaped by e-commerce trends.

By Dan O'Shea • July 17, 2016

Retailers fill warehouse vacancies at record rate

Rent increases are especially keen in areas most heavily served by same-day delivery companies.

By Daphne Howland • July 13, 2016

Why retail has a growing reverse supply chain problem—and how to fix it

As consumers move online to order goods, retailers are grappling with the growing problem, and cost, of return waste. 

By Kelsey Lindsey • July 12, 2016

Eyeing e-commerce efficiencies, Nordstrom buys stake in software platform

The department store has promised cost-cutting and investments to improve its e-commerce margins.

By Daphne Howland • July 11, 2016

When retailers compete on price, they really pay for it

Retailers continue to cut prices to drive traffic into stores. But experts contend they can't compete on discounts forever, meaning merchants must get creative to survive and advance.

By Daphne Howland • July 6, 2016

Honeywell buys into warehouse automation with $1.5b Intelligrated deal

Intelligrated serves customers including Amazon, United Parcel Service and Nordstrom.

By Dan O'Shea • July 4, 2016

Casper mattress startup to sell in West Elm stores

Casper has raised nearly $71 million in venture capital and last year generated $100 million in revenues.

By Daphne Howland • July 1, 2016

UPS expanding locker pickup to 300 new locations

UPS's Smart Locker program offers an alternative package pickup location to e-commerce shoppers who live in residences where front-door delivery is not possible.

By Dan O'Shea • June 30, 2016

Wal-Mart expands two-day shipping nationwide, offers free trial

Following a limited rollout, Wal-Mart's ShippingPass is launching across the U.S. just weeks before rival Amazon holds its next Prime Day sale event.

By Dan O'Shea • June 29, 2016

Retailers protest newly proposed food stamp rules

While grocery store chains and Wal-Mart would be unfazed by the proposed changes, small stores say they can’t handle them.

By Daphne Howland • June 28, 2016

Forever 21 loses shipping partner amid slowing business

EZ Worldwide Express claims it can't continue to support Forever 21 due to the fast fashion retailer's slowing business.

By Dan O'Shea • June 27, 2016

E-commerce growth driving investors to REITs

As e-commerce firms require more space for logistics and fulfillment, mutual funds are moving money into real estate investment trusts that own warehouse space.

By Dan O'Shea • June 26, 2016

FAA outlines drone rules, e-commerce delivery ambitions stuck in holding pattern

The Federal Aviation Administration's 624-page rulebook doesn't cover drones designed for e-commerce delivery purposes, which likely will have to wait for later rulemaking.

By Dan O'Shea • June 21, 2016

Amazon Prime Now expands to Paris, earns wrath of city officials

The mayor of Paris is lambasting the e-commerce giant for threatening the livelihood of local merchants, and not giving officials adequate notice of the launch.

By Dan O'Shea • June 20, 2016

UPDATE Amazon slashes shipping fees on small packages

Marketplace sellers will pay about 67% less to ship small, light items like USB cables and smartphone screen protectors.

By Daphne Howland • June 16, 2016

Instacart tries its hand at BOPIS with pickup-only option

The online grocery service is experimenting with in-store pickup options in tandem with partners including Whole Foods.

By Dan O'Shea • June 15, 2016

FAA may fine Amazon $350k over unsafe hazmat handling

The Federal Aviation Administration alleges that Amazon has a history of violating hazardous materials regulations.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2016

Staples launches Rush same-day delivery service in 8 cities

The service will initially cost $14.99, although the company says the price point could change.

By Daphne Howland • June 14, 2016

9 experts on the state of 'buy online, pick up in-store'

Many retailers are adding the service to their omnichannel offerings, even if it's not 100% efficient—yet.

By Kelsey Lindsey • June 13, 2016

NRF: Port volumes still weak as retail inventories hold steady

Volume should be up by the back-to-school and holiday seasons, according to the NRF.

By Daphne Howland • June 8, 2016

Wal-Mart testing same-day delivery with startups Uber, Lyft, Deliv

The trials will begin within the next two weeks in Denver and one other market, Wal-Mart said.

By Daphne Howland • June 3, 2016

Target halts curbside pickup program

Target said it will shift its focus to “retail fundamentals” and tech initiatives that are experiencing greater success, like its Cartwheel app and other omnichannel services.

By Daphne Howland • June 2, 2016