Logistics

Amazon will deploy a high-tech, green solution to help power its warehouses.     In a move to increase the energy efficiency of its sprawing network of fulfillment centers, Amazon has entered into a partnership with hydrogen fuel-cell maker Plug Power to deploy Plug Power fuel cells and hydrogen technology in its fulfillment network.    The deal includes an investment option that gives Amazon the right to acquire up to a 23% stake of the fuel-cell maker.  

Walmart is looking to expand its logistics capabilities.   The discounter  recently submitted plans to city planners In Bentonville, Ark,  for a 1.27 million-sq.-ft. distribution center, according to a report by Talk Business & Politics-Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.  

Consumer expectations in retail are changing more rapidly than ever. As e-commerce takes ever-larger shares of retail and redefines customer expectations, retailers are hard at work developing stronger online presences, seamless links between their online and brick-and-mortar offerings, and faster and cheaper delivery to meet rising customer demands.   

Excess inventory and markdowns took their toll on H&M’s first fiscal quarter.   For the period spanning December 1, 2016 - February 28, 2017, H&M’s first-quarter pretax profit fell 3.6% to 3.21 billion kronor ($362 million), compared with an average estimate of 3.03 billion kronor. H&M blamed the decline on lower than expected sales growth, as well as higher mark-downs.  

The online giant is bolstering its fleet of warehouses in the Lone Star State.   Amazon’s newest fulfillment center will be in Katy, Texas — its 10th in the state. The 1 million sq ft. facility will employ 1,000 associates who will pick, pack and ship larger-sized customer items, such as music equipment, sports gear and electronics.  

The online giant is about to break ground on another fulfillment center.   The new facility, which will be more than 1 million sq. ft., will be located in Clear Brook, Virginia. The fulfillment center will employ more than 1,000 full-time associates who will be responsible for picking, packing and shipping larger customer items, such as big-screen televisions, kayaks and patio furniture.  

Nordstrom Inc. is expanding its supply chain management team.

Brent Beabout

 

As margin pressures increase, more retailers are adopting new supply chain technologies to streamline operations and remain competitive.   Specifically, nearly three-quarters (74%) of top retail executives in procurement said that supply chain technology can provide a significant competitive edge, according to the inaugural Retail Pulse survey from C2FO.