While browsing through shoe displays at 32 of Bon-Ton's U.S. department stores, shoppers can use their near field communication (NFC)-enabled phones to learn more about each style, as well as whether a specific size and color is available at the store"”and, if not, how they can most efficiently acquire the shoes they are seeking.

Skechers USA Inc., a global footwear company based in the United States, says a major investment and technology upgrade to its European distribution centre in Milmort, Belgium, will improve performance and prepare the facility for future expansion plans.

Damco Indonesia has opened a new warehouse in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia.

New implementation guidelines for leveraging GS1 standards in apparel and general merchandise ecommerce have been released by GS1 US. The Voluntary Guidelines for Exchanging Extended Attributes for eCommerce were developed in collaboration with more than 15 retailers, vendors and solution providers participating in the GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative and are available at www.gs1us.org/eCommerceExtendedAttributes.

Sometimes an industry simply can't move forward without changing and embracing more sustainable business models. Consider America's apparel industry.

Efforts to increase supply chain transparency should include closer collaboration and partnerships with suppliers.