For the better part of the last decade, Amazon Fresh has been an enigma. Now, with a change to its pricing, Amazon positions Fresh much more favorably, said Keith Anderson, a vice president at Profitero, an e-commerce analytics start-up that works with retailers and consumer brands.

Quick grocery trips - those "I need it now" excursions - account for two-thirds of shopping visits and one-third of grocery expenditures. And these trips are not made at one store or even one channel. In fact, there is a major shift in how consumers are approaching grocery shopping, because they are spreading their money across more channels and formats as they shop to fulfill their needs.

All CEOs of 14 North American 3PLs say their companies were profitable in 2015 and believe the regional 3PL industry had also been profitable for the year. Moreover, each sees the bottom line continuing to be positive over the next three years.

Shoppers are demanding a seamless experience across all brand channels, both on- and offline, but retailers – particularly in apparel - are struggling to move at the speed their consumers want and need.

Electronics OEMs are leading the charge in e-commerce with electronic goods expected to be one of the fastest-growing sectors. Even as they buy products online for home, these same individuals want to make buys for their organization as well.

It may not be widely recognized as such just yet, but digital technology is probably one of the best things to happen to luxury brands in a long time.