OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Study: Retailers triple same-day delivery offerings
Eager to get merchandise into shoppers’ hands the same day they place an order, 65% of retailers will offer same-day delivery within two years. This was according to the “2017 Digital Commerce Benchmark Survey,” from Boston Retail Partners (BRP).
Report: Home goods retailer to accept digital wallet, Venmo
A new payment option will help Williams-Sonoma tap a new customer segment. The home goods retailer will soon accept the peer-to-peer money-transferring service Venmo for bridal registry purchases. The digital wallet lets users make digital payments — or split payments with other users, according to ReCode.

Study: Consumers growing uneasy about increasing access to personal data

Despite the ramping up of global data regulations, most consumers are concerned about how companies collect and use their information. In fact, an overwhelming 96% of consumers are "somewhat" to "extremely" concerned about data collection and usage. This is understandable, as more than 75% engage in digital payment transactions at least once a month.
Department store giant scales back holiday hiring

Fewer stores translates into reduced holiday hiring for Macy's this year. Macy's plans to hire a total of 80,000 workers for the holiday rush, down from about 83,000 last year. The company has been closing underperforming stores and currently operates some 70 fewer stores than it did last year.
Discounter swaps out Apple devices for Android on its sales floor

Target associates are using new devices to complete their daily tasks. After using iPod Touches for the last three years to manage stock, pull items, and handle other essential sales floor duties, Target is now putting Android devices into its associates’ hands, according to Gizmodo.
Online giant expands its fulfillment network in Michigan

Amazon is further bolstering its presence in The Wolverine State. The online giant will open a new, 1 million sq. ft. fulfillment center in Shelby, Michigan. The building is set to open in 2018. The warehouse will focus on picking, packing and shipping large items, like household decor, sporting equipment and gardening tools. These operations will be managed by approximately 1,000 associates, according to Amazon.
Holiday hiring outlook for retail looks positive

Early signs from retailers indicate a hot job market for workers this holiday season. Despite store closures and consolidation within the industry, retailers are signaling that there might be high demand for seasonal jobs, according to a forecast from global outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Online giant to expand its distribution network in Mexico

Amazon is looking to take advantage of Mexico’s growing e-commerce industry. The online giant is planning to open a 1 million sq. ft. warehouse near Mexico City, according to Reuters. Scheduled to open next year, it would be the company’s third distribution center in the country.
On heels of Equifax incident, retailers cite need for uniform data breach law

The National Retail Federation is once again making the case for a new federal law on data breach notifications. Citing the recent breach at the Equifax credit reporting agency, National Retail Federation and other industry associations are telling Congress that any new federal law on data breach notification should apply to all industries that handle consumer data.
Target ups holiday hiring by 40%

Target Corp. announced a major investment for the holiday shopping season. The discounter said it plans to hire approximately 100,000 employees for the upcoming holiday season, which is up about 40%. Additionally, Target will hire 4,500 workers at the company’s distribution and fulfillment centers to replenish products to stores and fulfill digital sales throughout the season.