OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Tech Bytes: Will robots be displaced to ‘make America great again?’
As the country continues to nurse its emotional Election Day hangover, businesses, including retailers, are contemplating what policies from President Elect Trump’s agenda will be tackled first in an effort to “Make America Great Again.”
There Really is No Such Thing as Totally Free Shipping
Today, many businesses make free shipping standard. Or, establish majorly moderate price points through which consumers can earn free shipping. However, free shipping often comes with a price – literally and figuratively. And the truth is, many companies are not positioned to do “free” shipping all that well.

NRF: How election results will impact these critical retail issues

The results of yesterday's elections will affect a number of issues facing retailers, including infrastructure, tax reform, trade, immigration, labor and health care. Craig Shearman, National Retail Federation (which does not endorse presidential candidates) looks at how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-controlled Congress could impact the industry.
What You Can Learn From Your Company's Shipping Data

Auditing your shipping invoices saves money. But just as importantly it yields valuable business intelligence through a rich depository of captured data that helps you make informed decisions as you improve operations.
Commentary: ‘Down-ballot’ issues that could impact retailers and other businesses

Because of the tone and tenor of the presidential campaign, lots of folks might be surprised to learn there are many other significant races going on across the country. These so-called “down-ballot” elections for governors’ offices, U.S. House and Senate seats, state legislatures and other offices may hold the real clues for what the next four years entail for employers, no matter who wins the White House. Believe it or not, there are substantive candidates actually discussing substantive kitchen table issues that impact families and communities.
Former Sam's Club exec joins Boxed.com as chief merchandising officer

Boxed.com, the online wholesale shopping club with no membership fees, on Thursday named former Sam's Club executive Heather Mayo the company's chief merchandising officer. Mayo will lead the development and execution of all merchandising strategies and initiatives, and will be responsible for delivering the optimal product assortment as dictated by the brand's strategy and unique target customer profile.
Three Pieces of External Data Impacting Retailers’ Bottom Lines
REI makes bold Black Friday decision second year in a row

While many retailers still struggle with how to leverage the Black Friday sales frenzy, REI has other plans in mind. For the second year, REI will remain closed on both Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year. “Instead of feeding the Black Friday frenzy, we're closing our 149 stores and giving our 12,287 employees a paid day off,” REI’s website reported.
QuickChek innovates again with Tesla partnership

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Best Buy to provide Wi-Fi support

Best Buy wants to help its customers stay connected — for a price. The consumer electronics chain’s Geek Squad is taking on local Internet service providers by launching a new service, called Wi-Fi Setup & Support, that offers comprehensive, personalized home Wi-Fi setup either over the phone, Web or in the customer’s home.