OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Robots, humans to staff online giant's new fulfillment center
Amazon’s newest distribution center will use robotics to streamline operations. The online giant plans to open its second Colorado fulfillment center in Thornton. This will be the first Amazon Robotics facility in the Centennial State.
Report: Lowe’s outsourcing tech jobs
Lowe's is making another round of job cuts. The home improvement chain is laying off some 125 information technology workers and many of the jobs to India, The Charlotte Observer reported. Lowe’s currently employs approximately 1,000 people in information and technology and analytics in Bangalore, India.

Online giant bolsters fulfillment fleet as it enters new territory

Amazon continues to expand its footprint of distribution centers. Amazon is set to break ground on its first fulfillment center in the state of Oregon. The 855,000-sq.-ft. facility, which will be located in Troutdale, will augment the company’s sortation center in Hillsboro, and Prime Now hub in Portland.
Study: The most popular store credit card is...

A retailer that does nearly all of its transactions online has the most popular store credit card. Amazon wins the store card battle, ranking as the top choice among consumers with store cards (32%), followed closely by Target (30%) and then Macy’s (24%).
Report: Supply chain key to omnichannel costs, revenue growth

An annual report provides an in-depth analysis of the front-burner issues facing America’s retail supply chains, and highlights tools and leading practices to compete in an evolving marketplace.
Study: Sales associates not well-equipped to perform job

Digital retailing is intensifying, yet retail associates still don’t have the technology they need to serve customers when they visit in-store. That's according to “The 2017 Retail Associate Technology Study,” from Salesfloor. The report, which surveyed 254 North American retail associates across a variety of product categories, compensation models and store sizes, explores the connection between store-level employees and the technology they use to serve customers.
Study: Shoppers drawn to smart devices stay abreast of security

A majority of Americans want to use connected devices to make purchases, yet they are keeping a keen eye on securing personal data.
Bebe winds down brick-and-mortar operations

It’s closing time for Bebe Stores. The struggling apparel retailer said on Wednesday, June 7, that it reached agreement with substantially all of its retail store landlords to terminate their existing leases. The cost to terminate the leases is estimated to be approximately $65 million.
Study: Fulfillment costs erode up to 70% of brands’ order value

Complexities associated with online shipping and fulfillment are eating into retailers’ profitability. This was according to “Strategies for Agile, Profitable and Secure Omnichannel Execution.” The report, from Radial, revealed that more than 55% of customers are using multiple channels, such as online and mobile to shop.
Sears exclusively launches British lifestyle brand

Sears is freshening up its offering through a new partnership. The department store retailer now features the Regatta Great Outdoors collection in 11 New England-based stores. The brand, which is based in Manchester, England, features active, performance, outdoor, and leisure wear. This is the brand’s first U.S. retail store debut.