OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Five ways Walmart uses big data
Walmart is bullish on big data — especially when it comes to finding ways to better serve its shoppers. Big data volume continues to grow, but Walmart is using it to the company’s — and its customers’ — advantage. By analyzing the robust information flowing throughout its operations, the discounter has gained a real-time view of workflow across its pharmacy, distribution centers, stores and e-commerce, according to a company blog.
British online fashion giant doubling down on the U.S.
As if American apparel retailers didn't have enough homegrown competition, ASOS, the largest online fashion retailer in the U.K., is making a major push into the American market.

Online giant explores ‘mobile’ drone launch pad

Amazon has lots of ideas about how drones can improve package deliveries, but they also need supportive facilities and operations. In hopes of getting the ball rolling, the online giant has filed a patent application for “ground-based mobile maintenance facilities for unmanned aerial vehicles.” Simply put, these hubs would be dedicated to accommodating, loading, launching, receiving and maintaining the delivery drones.
Regulatory Wrap-Up: Minimum wage and paid-leave ballot initiatives popping up

Wages
Study: Even mature retailers miss the mark on unified commerce

Despite retailers’ efforts to deliver sophisticated shopping experiences, crucial gaps between digital and in-store touchpoints still exist. That's according to “The State of Omnichannel Commerce: A Mystery Shopping Study.” The report, from Kibo, assessed the personalization and omnichannel sophistication across 30 popular and growing retailers’ desktop, mobile and in-store buying touchpoints.
Retail jobs dip slightly in July

The retail industry lost jobs in July. Retail industry employment declined slightly in July, decreasing 1,700 jobs from June, according to the National Retail Federation. On a three-month average, retail jobs have decreased by 4,200 jobs as calculated by NRF. (The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.) On a positive note, the economy overall saw gains of 209,000 jobs in July, exceeding growth expectations for the month.
Can Retailers Keep Employees’ Contact Information Private?

Retailers sued in class or representative actions for alleged wage-and-hour violations often object to discovery requests that seek the contact information (names, addresses, etc.) of their employees — the rationale being that such information is private and burdensome to collect and should not be disclosed unless there is reason to believe that the alleged unlawful practices occurred in locations other than just the named plaintiff’s store.
FedEx pivots in holiday shipping charges — except in some instances

FedEx is giving its customers an early holiday gift — while taking a stab at its rival UPS. The delivery service announced that it will forego additional surcharges on deliveries this holiday season — unless packages require additional handling, are oversized or unauthorized. FedEx made the decision based on the growing volume of large packages moving through the FedEx Ground network during the holidays.
Bed, Bath & Beyond in workforce reduction

The ax has fallen at Bed, Bath & Beyond as part of the realignment of its .store management structure. The retailer said it has initiated in approximately half of its U.S. Bed Bath & Beyond stores and about a dozen of its buybuy Baby stores a limited realignment of its store management organization that will result in the elimination of about 880 department and assistant store manager positions.
Amazon’s operations are shaping up Down Under

Amazon’s Australian online store is one step closer to launching. In addition to announcing the site of its first Australian warehouse, the online giant also named a German executive as its country manager. Both moves indicate that Amazon is preparing to launch its online store in the world's 12th-biggest economy, according to Reuters.