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5 Trends in Modern Retail and Their Impact on Global Logistics

 

Old-fashioned logistics can't meet new customer expectations --  it's time to up your warehousing and delivery game.

With the advent of e-commerce, mobile commerce, and omnichannel experiences, we find ourselves at an inflection point where traditional retail logistics must adapt or be left behind. A recent article in Forbes says consumers will buy nearly $11 trillion in goods and services online this year alone.

The emergence of innovative shopping technologies is leading us down a path of convenience, speed, and personalization. Let’s break down some key trends and how they’re transforming retail logistics.

Topics: omnichannel business business growth distribution strategy retail

What's the Buzz About Logistics at CES 2024?

 

Why the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show is a great way to kick off the new year.

If you search for logistics exhibitors at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, you'll get back a list of 28 companies promoting innovations like AI-powered robotics, smart safeboxes, and all-electric urban delivery vehicles. 

Meanwhile, a search for "High-tech Retailing/ E-Commerce" returns 324 results — for everything from software platforms, barcode scanners, and low-light indoor solar cells to "technology-enabled made-to-measure shoes".

That's a lot of logistics to cover. After a one-year hiatus, our friend and colleague Casey Wakula is heading back to CES this year to see what's what.

Topics: omnichannel business business growth distribution strategy retail

Whatever Happened to the Retail Apocalypse?

Rise of the Zombie Mall

The so-called “retail apocalypse” started in 2010, when large chain stores in the U.S. began to close thousands of brick-and-mortar locations after the Great Recession of 2008. When Sears, JCPenney, Sports Authority, Payless Shoes, Radio Shack, and other once-dominant brands announced bankruptcies and liquidations, they only accelerated the trend.

Topics: omnichannel business business growth millennial shoppers direct-to-consumer

Omnichannel Trend: Shift to Digital Retailing Benefits From In-Person Customer Support

The purchase process for many goods has become a completely digital experience, with buyers and sellers all but eliminating human interaction. Almost everything can be done online. Unfortunately, that eliminates  in-person customer service when purchasing a product. Is that really what consumers want?

Topics: customer service direct sellers cross-channel shopping omnichannel business omnichannel shopping

Everything Old About Retail is New Again

 

 

Why You Need to Take Another Look at Brick-and-Mortar

In the age of all things digital, it’s easy to make simplistic distinctions between new (online) and old (offline) business models. E-commerce, mobile commerce, chatbots, interactive voice response — these are all digital shopping innovations. Storefronts, physical inventory, cash payments, humans — that’s the old way of doing business. But more and more, progressive retailers are discovering that old-school brick-and-mortar locations are essential assets that can increase sales for even the most digitally evolved brands.

Topics: omnichannel business

As More Retail Shutters, In-Person Customer Service Will Become a Differentiator for Direct Sellers

The purchase process is quickly becoming a completely digital experience, with buyers and sellers all but eliminating human interaction. Almost everything can be done online. But is this what consumers want: no in-person customer service when purchasing a product?

Topics: customer service direct sellers cross-channel shopping omnichannel business business growth

5 Alternative Solutions to Offering Free Shipping

Fast and free shipping: every e-commerce customer wants it. Unfortunately, this sort of service isn’t always feasible. Trying to keep up with the Amazons of the world can put a dent in a business’ bottom line — and sometimes it can even cause a business to fold.

Topics: customer demands Same Day Delivery e-commerce e-commerce shopping omnichannel business customer pick-up center free shipping

Customer Pick-Up Centers Offer E-Retailers a Piece of the Omnichannel Pie

It’s evident: The traditional retail industry must adapt or end up like the dinosaur. The retail-store bubble has burst, and — as store space has become more burdensome — businesses are looking for omnichannel strategies to keep up with consumers’ evolving shopping habits.

Topics: cross-channel shopping customer demands e-commerce omnichannel business customer pick-up center

5 Reasons Why E-Commerce Businesses Fail

Topics: courier service last-mile delivery solutions e-commerce omnichannel business

Habits of Successful Omnichannel Businesses

Take a look at the latest trends in retail, and one fact becomes abundantly clear: e-commerce is the only place where substantial growth is occurring. With double-digit growth annually over the past few years, e-commerce is the future of retail. 

But not all e-commerce is created equal. By that I mean not every e-commerce business knows what it takes to be successful in the current customer-centered climate. 

Topics: customer service cross-channel shopping cross-channel shopper e-commerce omnichannel business