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Direct store delivery (DSD), which involves shipping products directly to stores from suppliers and bypassing the retailer’s warehouse or fulfillment center, is not a new idea.

However, several industry developments have made DSD a more attractive and feasible option in many instances. Here are three reasons for a retailer to consider launching a DSD program.

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Dick's Sporting Goods is launching an emotional omnichannel campaign as part of its sponsorship of Team USA.

The TV and digital effort tells the story of everyday sacrifices made by Olympic/Paralympic-hopeful athletes, and it prominently features five Team USA Contenders who are currently employed in Dick's stores nationwide.

Costco Wholesale Corp. is raising entry-level wages for its hourly workers for the first time since 2007.

The move comes as other major retailers have been upping the minimum wages for their entry-level workers amid a tightening job market.

Starting this month, Costco will pay workers $1.50 more per hour in the U.S. and Canada. Workers will now earn at least $13 or $13.50 per hour, up from a minimum of $11.50 or $12 per hour.

A new retail concept called The Mint Shack is the latest example of how the narrowest of consumer interests can be served with a digital presence — one that can also expand to a physical presence.

A first-of-its-kind website focused on all things mint. The Mint Shack has a simple philosophy, according to owner Scott Crillo, find the best mint products — from taste to color — and offer them under one roof at a fair price.

Convenience store chain CST Brands has addedtwo new independent directors to its board and announced it plans to pursue “strategic alternatives” that could include selling the company.

The company says the strategic review process will be comprehensive and will include a fresh look at several of CST's previously announced strategic initiatives and plans.

William (Bill) Quinn has joined Hibbett Sports Inc. as VP of digital commerce.

Prior to joining Hibbett, Quinn served as VP, digital, for David’s Bridal, where his efforts included growing online sales, launching omnichannel initiatives, and building mobile capabilities.

Quinn will be responsible for leading the implementation of Hibbett’s omnichannel initiatives and developing the online customer experience. He will report directly to president and CEO Jeff Rosenthal.

Another set of weak quarterly results from Staples and another round of store closures could give the Federal Trade Commission more evidence to support Staples long-running effort to acquire Office Depot.

Saks Fifth Avenue is offering personalized service from store associates to customers beyond the confines of the store.

Partnering with personalized e-commerce technology provider Salesfoor, Saks is letting online customers create customizable Saks.com boutique pages. The pages contain personally curated assortments of Saks merchandise, accessible through a dedicated URL.

Amazon.com is continuing to expand its network of physical pickup points at colleges and universities across the U.S.

Amazon has recently announced agreements to open staffed pickup locations at the The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Akron.

Opening this summer, this 2,509-sq.-ft. space at the University of Texas will be located in Gregory Gymnasium. Additionally, Amazon Student and Prime members will receive free one-day pickup for orders placed by 10 p.m. on more than two million items.