OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Study: Automation puts millions of U.S. retail jobs at risk
Automation may be mission-critical to operational longevity in the retail industry, but it could be creating a significant pool of “stranded workers.” Six million to 7.5 million retail jobs likely will be automated out of existence in the coming years, leaving a large portion of the retail workforce at risk of becoming “stranded workers.” Retail cashiers are at highest risk for automation technologies, and women hold 73% of these positions.
Google ups the ante on mobile payments
Google is once again expanding its digital payment options. The company knows it can be difficult for shoppers to make online payments within third-party apps and mobile websites, as well as in Google Assistant, when they are on the run. A new service is easing this pain and giving users more options.

Fast-food giant’s delivery service expands

More hungry customers can now get their Big Macs, fries, beverages and desserts delivered right to their door. As of Wednesday, May 17, McDonald’s is expanding its delivery service to customers in Los Angeles, Chicago, Columbus and Phoenix. Through its partnership with UberEats, the company’s “McDelivery” program now encompasses up to 1,000 restaurants in the United States.
Report: Walmart preps for next competitive threat

Executives at Walmart are planning their next move in anticipation of its newest rival — and asking suppliers to support their cause. The European grocer Lidl, which has a track record for disruption, is preparing to open its first 20 United States-based stores this summer. The first locations are set to open their doors in the next few weeks. As a result, Walmart is asking suppliers to keep their prices low, according to the Consumerist.
E-retailer offers fulfillment services

Newegg is adding supply chain support to its portfolio. The electronics-focused e-retailer launched Newegg Logistics, the company’s branded logistics solution designed to help e-commerce sellers streamline order fulfillment, shipment and returns. Based on the many years it spent refining its own e-commerce logistics operations, Newegg’s service will help other businesses break into online sales.
Starbucks’ payment system shut down takes a toll

Free coffee was on the menu at some Starbucks locations on Tuesday, due to a point-of-sale software glitch. What the coffee giant described as a typical software update ended up putting point-of-sale systems out of commission — and for longer than expected, in some locations. The outage began in the evening on Monday, May 16, and continued into Tuesday, May 17, according to CNBC.
Wal-Mart hit with lawsuit alleging pregnant employees were treated unfairly

Walmart is the subject of a federal lawsuit involving its alleged treatment of pregnant workers.
Lowe’s employees have a new uniform — a robotic suit

A home improvement chain is taking a page from science fiction to keep employees safe. Lowe's and Virginia Tech have joined forces to develop an exosuit — a wearable robotic suit with lift-assist technology — for Lowe's store employees. The lightweight exosuit, which is designed to help employees lift and move product throughout the store more efficiently, and aids against muscle fatigue, is being piloted in Lowe's Christiansburg, Virginia, store.
Supermarket Trends: Technology, food safety and sustainability are top of mind

The supermarket industry is constantly changing. Consumer food choices and how they shop, frequent regulation modifications and new technologies to integrate are just a few things we gathered from recent customer input concerning the most pressing issues for the industry. As 2017 rolls along, there are four emerging trends we see that grocery marketers should be aware of for the remainder of the year. 1. Impact of the digitally engaged food shopper on retail facilities
Report: Amazon makes bigger push into furniture category

The message is clear: Amazon wants to furnish its shoppers’ homes. The online retailer has made a strong commitment to the furniture category by expanding its merchandise assortment and custom designs. Now it is giving the category even more attention, according to sources that said the Amazon is building at least four massive warehouses focused on fulfilling and delivering bulky items, MarketWatch reported.