Supply Chain & Merchandising

The recent growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought the elusive concept of “frictionless retail” closer than ever before. By digitizing business processes through connecting smart devices and sensors at the network’s edge and applying advanced analytics, retailers can reduce or eliminate points of friction that negatively impact customer experience, sales or operational efficiency.   

Stroll by the new Combatant Gentlemen store in Santa Monica, California, and you might think it’s an outfitter of Bondian self-defense gear for bespoke men in turbulent times. In fact, it’s a ready-to-wear suit store for young corporate commandos hoping to pass muster in boardrooms on meager salaries. (Suits range from $165 to around $320.) It’s also the first permanent brick-and-mortar outpost of the vertically-integrated, fast-growing online menswear brand, which was founded in 2012.   

The world’s biggest online retailer took a big step to move drone deliveries forward.   Amazon has entered into a partnership with the British government that will allow the retailer to test and develop new drone delivery systems.  

Five specialty retailers are deploying a cross-border shipping solution to make it easier for international customers to buy from their sites.   The retailers — Evolue, Kathy Kuo Home, The Land of Nod, The New York Times Store and Soludos — are expanding their online reach through the Pitney Bowes Borderfree solution. The technology and cross-border shipping services enable global shoppers to simply and conveniently buy items online in over 70 currencies from more than 220 countries and territories.  

Avison Young announced completion of the sale of Shoppes at Vickery Village, a 77,794sq.-ft., 11-building center in Cumming, Georgia. The real estate services firm reports that the purchase price was 20% more than the seller paid for the property only 18 months ago.  

Retailers should be cheered by the latest forecast from the National Retail Federation.    With increases in consumer spending expected to remain solid during the remainder of the year, the NRF on Tuesday upped its forecast for retail sales in 2016 to 3.4%, from the 3.1% forecast earlier.    Online and other non-store sales, which are included in the overall figure, are expected to increase 7% to 10% year-over-year rather than the 6% to 9% forecast earlier.  

While consultants have argued for decades that workforce management (WFM) is a mixture of art and science, it is neither. It comes down to profit and applying practical – not over-engineered – workforce management practices that enable higher performing retail operations.   

Under Armour on Tuesday reported a drop in profit for the second quarter, related to the closing of The Sports Authority. The athletic wear brand also revealed plans to plant its banner on prime real estate in Manhattan.