The pace at which companies are adopting circular economy business models has been accelerating for the last two decades - and it has evolved from a specialist concept to a mainstream business strategy.

Growing numbers of consumers are choosing to do their shopping online, and many brick-and-mortar retailers are failing to adapt to the shifting retail landscape. Once retail giants RadioShack and Payless ShoeSource are among the most recent to file for bankruptcy, and many others are hurriedly closing unprofitable stores as foot traffic dwindles.

Boeing Co. is moving some work completing aircraft to China and other overseas markets but doesn't expect this to affect its U.S. manufacturing workforce, said the chief executive of the world's largest aerospace company.

Auburn University's Center for Supply Chain Innovation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), in partnership with DC Velocity, have released their seventh annual "State of the Retail Supply Chain" report. The report provides analysis of the front-burner issues facing America's retail supply chains, according to RILA. It also highlights tools and leading practices to compete in an evolving marketplace.

It's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.