E-Commerce/Omni-Channel

Modest Increase in Holiday Sales Predicted, But Niche Companies Eat Into Major Retailers' Share

September 23, 2016

Retailers should see a modest uptick in holiday sales this year. But the news isn't all positive for big chains or even major online retailers.

Most Say Their IT Won't Support Omnichannel Retail Functions, Study Finds

September 22, 2016

Kibo

Complete integration of business-critical technologies is a major driver for success in omnichannel retail and overall retail performance, but nearly half of respondents to a recent report say their technology isn't up to the job.

3D Printing, Smartphones Upend Retail, E-commerce

September 16, 2016

New York Times

The assembly line at Feetz has 100 humming 3-D printers. Their sole purpose is to make shoes.

Amazon Combats Thieves, 'Barely Legal' Resellers Using Its Site

September 15, 2016

Computerworld

In trying to be the world's largest e-tailer by offering almost anything, Amazon has attracted a dedicated group of thieves and resellers trying to slip through the holes in Amazon's bureaucracy.

Apparel E-Tailer Lets You Try on Clothes Before Paying for Them

September 14, 2016

Apparel

When you're in a changing room, if you're lucky there's a clerk nearby who'll grab another size for you if an item doesn't fit - while you stand waiting in your underwear, of course.

How Amazon's Prime Day Creates New Challenges for Traditional Retailers

September 12, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

First there was Black Friday. Then Cyber Monday. And now, Amazon.com's Prime Day. Why do retailers invite peak-demand headaches?

Amazon Looks to Shave Delivery Time of Small Items from China to U.S.

September 12, 2016

Bloomberg

Amazon.com Inc. is speeding the delivery of USB cables, smartphone screen protectors, cosmetics and other small, flat items in its continuing push against rival marketplaces that help overseas manufacturers and suppliers sell directly to U.S. shoppers.

Best Practices for E-Commerce Shipments to Canada

September 9, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

The boom in e-commerce is a global phenomenon, but each country has its own unique requirements for ensuring the smooth flow of shipments to the buyer.

Walmart Acquisition of Jet.com Lesson for Distributors Competing Against Amazon

September 8, 2016

TED Mag

In August, Walmart announced that it would acquire Jet.com for $3.3bn. The merger may put Walmart in a better position to go up against e-tailing behemoth Amazon, and possibly even strengthen the former's footing in the business-to-business e-commerce space in the future.

Challenges Facing Online Jewelers Are Many Faceted

September 8, 2016

Maksud Agadjani, Owner, TraxNYC

Due to changing lifestyles and disposable incomes, the global jewelry market continues to rise, with much of that growth being driven by the move to e-commerce. The world's jewelry market is projected to surpass $257bn in 2017 and grow at a compound annual growth of five percent over the next few years. Currently, online jewelry sales only account for four to five percent of the market, but the e-commerce sector is expected to reach around 15 percent by 2020.

E-Commerce/Omni-Channel

The latest supply-chain news, analysis, trends and tools for executives in the e-commerce/omnichannel industry — which consists of companies engaged in internet retailing, including those with auxiliary brick-and-mortar stores. Learn how e-commerce/omnichannel companies and their suppliers around the world are managing the flow of products across all channels of the enterprise. Experts sound off on forecasting and demand planning, supply-chain visibility, logistics outsourcing, inventory optimization, transportation management, warehouse management, supply-chain security, corporate social responsibility and more.